Electrode bonding system and method of use

A method of securing an electrode arrangement against loosening, the method including:

• operating an actuatable element to apply a force to extend a heating element of a bonding system into contact with an exterior of an electrode arrangement formed from a wound arrangement of electrode components, each of the electrode components having a first end and a second end, wherein a first end of each electrode component defines a portion of the wound electrode arrangement, and a second end of each electrode component is held in tension, and does not define a portion of the wound electrode;
• varying a length of an overload element to change a resistive force provided by the overload element and applied to the actuatable element, wherein the resistive force controls a movement of the actuatable element such that the heating element is limited to application of a predetermined amount of force;
• applying the predetermined amount of force to the exterior of the electrode arrangement via the heating element, wherein the predetermined amount of force is less than the force applied by the actuatable element;
• while the predetermined amount of force is being applied to the electrode arrangement by the heating element, operating the heating element to heat the electrode arrangement;
• terminating the application of force and heat to the electrode arrangement;
• and
• cutting the electrode components;
• wherein at least one of the electrode components is cut following the termination of the application of heat and force to the electrode arrangement.