Battery Cell Electrolyte Injection Using Infrared Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery manufacturing processes face challenges in increasing the impregnability of electrolyte into electrode assemblies due to close contact between the outer material, first and second electrodes, and the separator, which hinders efficient electrolyte impregnation.
Innovation Solution
A battery manufacturing apparatus and method that includes a supporting portion, an injector with an injection pipe, and a heater to heat the battery cell and injector, using infrared light to reduce electrolyte viscosity and improve impregnation, along with a reflective film to concentrate heat, and a controller to manage temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the electrode assembly is tightly packed in the case with close contact between outer material, electrodes, and separator, then the structural integrity and compactness are improved, but the electrolyte impregnability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by heating the electrolyte to elevated temperatures before injection. This temperature parameter change reduces the electrolyte's viscosity and increases its流动性, enabling it to penetrate the tightly packed electrode assembly more effectively while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-heating the electrolyte to a target temperature range before injection. This preliminary thermal treatment prepares the electrolyte with optimal flow characteristics, allowing it to overcome the resistance posed by the closely packed electrode structure and achieve thorough impregnation
2Device complexity
If conventional electrolyte injection is used without heating, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the electrolyte viscosity remains high and impregnability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heating parameter change to the electrolyte, raising its temperature to reduce viscosity. This parameter modification transforms the electrolyte from a high-viscosity state that cannot penetrate the electrode assembly to a low-viscosity state that achieves thorough impregnation
3Manufacturing precision
If heating is applied to reduce electrolyte viscosity, then the electrolyte impregnability is improved, but the energy consumption and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the heating parameter by maintaining the electrolyte within a specific target temperature range rather than excessive heating. This controlled parameter change achieves the necessary viscosity reduction for good impregnability while minimizing energy consumption and avoiding unnecessary process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical mixing or forcing methods with thermal energy substitution. By using heat to reduce viscosity and enable natural flow and penetration, the process avoids complex mechanical systems while achieving thorough electrolyte distribution
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
Enhances electrolyte impregnability and productivity by reducing viscosity and improving heat exchange performance, allowing for efficient electrolyte impregnation and faster manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
the heater may irradiate light of an infrared wavelength range toward the battery cell under assembly and the injector
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a battery manufacturing apparatus and a method of controlling thereof, which comprises a supporting portion forming a receiving space for receiving a battery cell under assembly, the battery cell including an electrode assembly and a case including the electrode assembly therein; an injector including an injection pipe for moving an electrolyte to inject the electrolyte into the case; and a heater spaced apart from the supporting portion for heating the battery cell under assembly and the injector.