Composite Crucible Assembly for Thermal Shock-Resistant Cathode Synthesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for producing a cathode active material face challenges in stabilizing unstable Ni ions and ensuring high energy density, and the crucible assembly for producing a cathode active material face challenges in stabilizing unstable Ni ions and ensuring high energy density.

Innovation Solution

The crucible assembly and the crucible assembly for producing a cathode active material are crucible assemblies for producing a cathode active material with a single particle shape and high energy density, and the crucible assembly includes a heat source for producing a cathode active material assembly for producing a cathode active material assembly with a crucible assembly for producing a cathode active material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional solid ceramic materials are used as crucible material, then chemical inertness and mechanical strength are improved, but thermal shock resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidthermal shock resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The crucible is constructed as a composite material system consisting of an inner layer made of material with high thermal expansion coefficient and an outer layer made of material with low thermal expansion coefficient. This composite structure combines the chemical inertness and mechanical strength of ceramic materials with improved thermal shock resistance, as the outer layer with low thermal expansion coefficient prevents cracking under thermal stress while the inner layer provides chemical stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional solid ceramic materials are used as crucible material, then chemical inertness is improved, but flexibility in handling and installation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechemical inertnessVSAvoidhandling flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The crucible employs a composite structure where the outer layer is made of material with low thermal expansion coefficient, providing mechanical strength and chemical inertness, while the inner layer uses material with high thermal expansion coefficient that can better accommodate thermal stresses. This composite design maintains chemical inertness while improving overall durability and ease of handling during installation and operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If a thick-walled crucible design is used, then mechanical strength is improved, but heat transfer efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The crucible uses a composite material structure with an inner layer of high thermal expansion coefficient material and an outer layer of low thermal expansion coefficient material. This design allows for optimized wall thickness distribution where the inner layer can be thinner to improve heat transfer efficiency while the outer layer provides the necessary mechanical strength, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and heat transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional crucible designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different battery cell formats deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different battery cell formats
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The crucible is designed as a segmented structure with an inner layer and an outer layer that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows the crucible to be adapted to different battery cell formats (cylindrical,棱柱形, pouch) by modifying the dimensions and geometry of individual layers without complicating the overall manufacturing process, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4286044B1Crucible assembly for producing cathode active material
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 SM LAB CO LTD
  • EP4286044B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4286044B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4286044B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a crucible assembly for producing a cathode active material. The crucible assembly includes a first crucible having an open top and an internal space and a second crucible disposed below the first crucible and having an incision groove with an open area at an upper portion of each sidewall.