Electrode Assembly With Laser-Cured Side Adhesive for Anti-Sag Stiffness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for enhancing the stiffness of electrode assemblies, such as pressing or lamination, are ineffective for inexpensive separators and can damage the assembly, leading to sagging issues during transportation and manufacturing of battery cells.

Innovation Solution

An electrode assembly with an adhesive layer formed on its side surfaces using a laser absorption type adhesive, comprising a SnO2-based material with Sb or In doping, which is cured by a laser to improve stiffness without applying pressure or heat, and can be applied to various products including those with inexpensive separators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional pressing or lamination methods are used to enhance stiffness, then the electrode assembly structure is improved, but inexpensive separators are damaged and the assembly is destroyed

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestiffnessVSAvoidseparator integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical pressing or lamination methods with a chemical bonding method using adhesive layers. The adhesive layer is applied to the side surfaces of the electrode assembly and cured through UV irradiation or heat, providing stiffness enhancement without mechanical damage to the separator. This substitution of mechanical action with chemical bonding resolves the contradiction between improving stiffness and preserving separator integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If adhesive layers are applied to enhance stiffness, then the electrode assembly structure is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestiffnessVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thin adhesive film layers applied to the side surfaces of the electrode assembly. These thin films provide the necessary structural reinforcement and stiffness without adding significant complexity to the manufacturing process. The adhesive layers can be applied using conventional coating techniques and cured through standard UV or heat treatment, integrating smoothly into existing manufacturing workflows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The adhesive layer effectively enhances the overall stiffness and durability of the electrode assembly, preventing sagging and enabling easier handling and manufacturing of battery cells without damaging the separators.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive layer which is formed on a side surface of the cell stack... the adhesive layer comprises a laser absorption type adhesive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a laser absorption type adhesive, which is cured by a laser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotopolymerisation: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS20240258650A1Electrode Assembly, Manufacturing Method Thereof And Battery Cell Including The Same

Publication Date: 2024.08.01 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

An electrode assembly includes a cell stack in which electrodes and separator sections are alternately stacked, an adhesive layer formed on a side surface of the cell stack, and a finished separator. The finished separator wraps a periphery of the cell stack on which the adhesive layer is formed, wherein the adhesive layer comprises a laser absorption type adhesive.