Secondary Battery Electrolyte Impregnation via Pressure Differential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing secondary batteries face challenges in impregnating a sufficient amount of electrolyte, especially with high viscosity electrolytes, leading to incomplete impregnation and increased manufacturing time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that inject electrolyte into a secondary battery under atmospheric pressure, followed by parallel pressure reduction, ensuring efficient impregnation of the electrode laminated body without the need for repeated pressurizing and pressure reduction steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrolyte injection is performed in atmospheric pressure environment followed by pressure reduction, then electrolyte impregnation efficiency is improved, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by injecting electrolyte into the outer container while the electrode laminated body is in a relaxed state (at atmospheric or slightly reduced pressure) before the pressure reduction step. This ensures the electrolyte is already present in the container and can immediately penetrate the electrode structure when pressure differential is applied, eliminating the need for repeated injection cycles and simplifying the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through a controlled sequence of pressure changes: initial atmospheric pressure for electrolyte injection, followed by pressure reduction to create vacuum for impregnation, then pressure equalization. This periodic pressure variation creates optimal conditions for complete electrolyte penetration while maintaining process simplicity through automation.
2Quantity of substance
If repeated pressurizing and pressure reduction steps are performed to increase electrolyte impregnation, then electrolyte impregnation amount is improved, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by performing electrolyte injection and pressure reduction in a continuous, coordinated manner within a single operational cycle. The electrolyte injection and pressure changes occur simultaneously or in immediate sequence, ensuring continuous penetration force is applied throughout the impregnation process, achieving complete saturation without requiring multiple separate cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte is injected into the outer container in advance before the pressure reduction step, so that when the pressure differential is applied, the electrolyte is already positioned to immediately penetrate the electrode laminated body. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for repeated injection and pressure cycling to achieve sufficient impregnation.
3Quantity of substance
If repeated pressurizing and pressure reduction steps are performed to improve electrolyte impregnation, then electrolyte impregnation amount is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves continuous electrolyte impregnation through a single coordinated process cycle where electrolyte injection and pressure reduction occur in sequence without interruption. This continuous action ensures complete penetration in one pass, eliminating the need for multiple repetitive cycles that would increase manufacturing time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure reduction step automatically creates the vacuum condition that drives electrolyte penetration into the electrode laminated body without requiring additional active pressurization equipment or complex control systems. The system uses the pressure differential itself to perform the impregnation work, reducing equipment complexity and manufacturing cost.
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
This approach allows for complete and efficient impregnation of electrolyte into the electrode laminated body, reducing manufacturing time and costs while simplifying the process.
Implementation Method 1
reducing a pressure inside the outer container to a pressure which is lower than an atmospheric pressure, but is equal to or higher than a vapor pressure of the electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
a non-impregnated portion which has not been impregnated with the electrolyte and which still remains in the electrode laminated body
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention has an object to provide a secondary battery manufacturing method and apparatus capable of impregnating a sufficient amount of electrolyte in an electrode laminated body with simplified work effort while reducing working time and a manufacturing cost. The method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to the present invention comprises the steps of: inserting, into an outer container, an electrode laminated body in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode are laminated with a separator interposed therebetween; sealing an outer peripheral portion of the outer container except for a part thereof before or after the electrode laminated body is inserted; and injecting electrolyte (5) into the outer container having the electrode laminated body inserted therein, from non-sealed part as an injection port (6a). In the step of injecting the electrolyte (5), injection of the electrolyte (5) is started in an atmospheric pressure environment, and then the injection of the electrolyte (5) and pressure reduction of an environmental pressure are performed.