Double-Slit Coating Die for Nozzle Gap and Offset Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrode active material coating apparatuses face challenges in controlling the height of nozzles and maintaining gap consistency due to weight-related issues, leading to offsetting in the coating process.

Innovation Solution

A coating die with a double slit configuration, featuring first and second slits between blocks, and a position control unit that adjusts the blocks' vertical position using a support plate and driving unit, with a slope angle between 5° to 30°, to compensate for gaps and control the coating process effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional single-block coating die is used, then manufacturing is simple, but gap control between nozzles is poor due to weight distribution issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle height controlVSAvoidblock structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coating die is divided into multiple blocks (first block, second block, third block) where each block can be independently positioned. The first and second blocks form a first nozzle, while the second and third blocks form a second nozzle. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each block's position, enabling precise control of nozzle heights and gaps without being constrained by the weight of a single large block.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a position control unit that can dynamically adjust the positions of the blocks in the vertical direction. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the nozzle heights and gaps to be controlled and optimized during the coating process, transforming a static structure into a dynamically adjustable one for improved precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If connection pipe weight is not compensated, then device structure is simple, but gaps between slits are generated due to weight distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegap consistencyVSAvoidposition control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The position control unit acts as a counterbalancing mechanism that compensates for the weight of connection pipes and blocks. By independently positioning each block vertically, the system can offset the gravitational effects and weight distribution issues that would otherwise cause gaps between slits, maintaining consistent gaps despite the presence of heavy connection components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Manufacturing precision

If nozzle heights cannot be adjusted, then device structure is simple, but coating offset occurs due to fixed position limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating alignmentVSAvoidposition adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The position control unit enables dynamic adjustment of block positions in the vertical direction, allowing the nozzle heights to be optimized for different coating requirements. This transforms the fixed structure into an adjustable one, eliminating coating offset issues while providing operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If double-layer structure is formed without precise control, then production is fast, but interface quality is poor due to uncontrolled variables

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface qualityVSAvoidcoating process speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual or粗放 (extensive) positioning methods with a systematic position control unit that mechanically adjusts block positions with precision. This controlled mechanical system ensures consistent nozzle heights and gaps, improving interface quality between layers while maintaining production efficiency through automated control.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3838421B1Coating die including double slit, and electrode active material coating apparatus using same
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3838421B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3838421B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a double slit coating die, and an electrode active material coating apparatus comprising same, the double slit coating die comprising first to fourth blocks which are positioned sequentially adjacent to each other, and having a structure in which the positions of the first and second blocks can move in a direction tilted at an angle θ with respect to the interface between the second and third blocks. The present invention has the effects of preventing slip surfaces between blocks constituting the die from spreading apart, and reducing offset in a coating process.