Battery Electrode Laser Notching for Continuous Defect Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing secondary battery manufacturing processes face reduced productivity due to the need to stop operations when defects are detected during the notching process, necessitating equipment movement and exchange of molds.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize laser notching to differentiate between normal and abnormal electrode portions, allowing continuous manufacturing by notching these portions into distinct shapes without equipment movement, and subsequently detecting and discharging defective cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mold press is used for notching the electrode, then the notching shape can be changed by exchanging molds, but the manufacturing productivity is lowered due to equipment stopping and manual defect handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenotching shape changeabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical mold press system with a laser-based notching system. The laser can dynamically change notching shapes through software control without physical mold exchanges, eliminating equipment stops and manual interventions, thus maintaining shape adaptability while dramatically improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dynamic notching system where the notching shape can be changed in real-time during operation through laser parameter adjustment. This allows the system to adapt to different electrode types without stopping, converting a static mold-based system into a dynamic, programmable laser system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the electrode is inspected for defects before notching, then defect detection is possible, but the operation must be stopped and equipment moved to display and process defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection capabilityVSAvoidoperational interruption time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous operation by integrating defect detection and notching processes. Defects are detected and marked during the same continuous operation where notching occurs, eliminating the need to stop equipment or move it to separate defect processing areas. The laser simply adjusts its path to avoid or specially mark defective regions while maintaining continuous motion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a detection system that acts as an intermediary between the electrode and the notching laser. The detector identifies defects and communicates their positions to the laser control system, which then adjusts the notching pattern accordingly. This intermediary enables seamless integration of quality control into the manufacturing flow without interruption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables continuous manufacturing operations, improving productivity by distinguishing and handling defective cells without stopping the process, thereby enhancing overall manufacturing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a method for manufacturing a secondary battery comprises an electrode supply process of supplying an electrode, a first inspection process of detecting the electrode to distinguish a normal electrode portion and an abnormal electrode portion from each other, and a notching process of notching the electrode at a notching part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP4120384B1Method for manufacturing secondary battery and apparatus for manufacturing secondary battery
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4120384B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4120384B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4120384B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a secondary battery and an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery. The method for manufacturing the secondary battery according to the present invention comprises: an electrode supply process of supplying an electrode through an electrode supply part; a first inspection process of detecting the supplied electrode to distinguish a normal electrode portion and an abnormal electrode portion through a first inspection part; and a notching process of notching the electrode, which is subjected to the first inspection process, in a notching part, wherein the notching process perform the notching through a laser so that the normal electrode portion and the abnormal electrode portion, which are detected in the first inspection process, are divided from each other.