Hi-Pot Testing Pinch Project

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Role: Panasonic Energy North America - Manufacturing Engineer Intern under Hardware Development and Implementation Team

Summary: I have redesigned the hi-pot testing pinch for 2170 cell production benefiting the company by $125k yearly.

Skills: Solidworks, Engineering Drawing, FMEA, Geometric Tolerancing, Teamwork, RFQ, BOM, CAM, Data Analysis, DFA, DFM, 4M, Presentation, Constructive Debate, Problem-solving, SOP, Lean Six Sigma

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— Limited image sources and vague descriptions due to NDA —

As a manufacturing intern at Panasonic Energy of North America under the Hardware Development and Implementation team, I work on projects to decrease the number of defects in the electrode winding process and increase its efficiency. Hi-pot test is a set of tests in the winding process, and the problem was that the burr at one point of the jellyroll causing NG in later processes. I worked with the CPE, Cell Process Engineering, team to diagnose the problem utilizing SEM microscopes first; then, I collaborated with the controls team as I was designing the hi-pot test pinch to address some potential failure modes and validation of the design. After the final design, I presented the trial-4M to QC, controls, and maintenance teams and got the final approval for RFQ and test runs.

My multi-purpose hi-pot pinch design allows the winder to run the hi-pot test and flattens the burr at the same time. This allows the company to save $125k yearly by decreasing the NG rate for the jellyroll.

From this project, I polished my CAD skill, especially in configuration. Also, I was able to learn more about manufacturability by talking to different vendors and their comments on my designs. Working with many different teams within the company allowed me to become more of a multidisciplinary person with more efficient communication skills.