Air-Assisted Punch Pin for Complete Scrap Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of secondary battery manufacturing is the incomplete discharge of scraps during the notching process, which can lead to defects such as low voltage, short circuits, and capacity issues due to undischarged scraps entering the battery.
Innovation Solution
A punch and punching machine design incorporating an air flow path and elastic member to effectively discharge scraps by first blowing air through a push pin and then contacting it directly to ensure complete ejection into a collector, preventing scraps from entering the battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a punching mold apparatus is used to cut the substrate, then the electrode plate can be manufactured according to specifications, but scraps may not be completely discharged and could enter the battery causing defects
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge function is segmented from the punching function. The punch includes a dedicated discharge pin with air flow paths that operates independently to discharge scraps, while the punching blade performs cutting. This segmentation ensures that scrap discharge is not dependent on the punching operation completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The air flow paths are configured to blow air toward the scrap collection area before the punch completes its cutting operation. This preliminary action of blowing air prepares the discharge path in advance, ensuring scraps are directed toward the collection area before they can potentially enter the battery.
Solution Approach 3:
Air is introduced as an intermediary substance to facilitate scrap discharge. The air flow paths channel air between the punch interior and the scrap collection area, using this gas intermediary to push scraps toward the collection area without direct mechanical contact.
2Device complexity
If the punch structure is simplified without additional discharge mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but scraps cannot be effectively discharged into the collection area
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge pin serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural component of the punch, provides air flow paths for scrap discharge, and functions as a mechanical pusher when air pressure is applied. This multi-functionality allows effective scrap discharge without adding separate dedicated discharge mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Air pressure is utilized to achieve scrap discharge without complex mechanical mechanisms. The air flow paths allow pneumatic pressure to be applied to push scraps into the collection area, replacing what would otherwise require complex mechanical discharge systems.
3Reliability
If air is continuously blown through the push pin, then scraps are effectively discharged, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Air is blown through the push pin periodically or intermittently rather than continuously. The air blower operates at specific moments during the punching cycle when scrap discharge is needed, and remains inactive during other phases, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective scrap discharge.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution ensures effective scrap discharge, reducing battery defects by preventing scraps from entering the battery, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency and quality.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member between the punch body and the push pin, and configured to provide an elastic restoring force
Implementation Method 2
a push pin including an air flow path configured to flow through air introduced from the air inlet to the outside
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A punch (440, 510, 520) comprising: a punch body (450) comprising an inner space and an air inlet (452); a push pin (460) comprising an air flow path (466) configured to flow through air introduced from the air inlet (452) to the outside; and an elastic member (470) between the punch body (450) and the push pin (460), and configured to provide an elastic restoring force, wherein the push pin (460, 610) and the elastic member (470) are accommodated in the inner space of the punch body (450).