Electrode Assembly Manufacturing via Melting Induction Solvent

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing electrode assemblies face challenges in increasing the adhesion force between electrodes and separators while preventing separator damage, particularly due to high-temperature lamination processes that can cause shrinkage and increased cell resistance.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a melting induction process using a solvent like di-methyl carbonate (DMC) to induce melting on the separator's surface, combined with a lamination process that alternately combines and laminates electrodes and separators in a vaporized solvent environment, ensuring uniform adhesion without high-temperature damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If high-temperature lamination is performed to enhance adhesion force between electrode and separator, then adhesion force is improved, but separator shrinkage occurs which increases cell resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion forceVSAvoidseparator shrinkage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the temperature parameter from high-temperature lamination to low-temperature lamination by introducing a melting induction solvent. The solvent melts at low temperature to form a bonding layer between electrode and separator, achieving strong adhesion without subjecting the separator to damaging high temperatures that cause shrinkage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a melting induction solvent as an intermediary substance between the electrode and separator. This solvent melts at low temperature to form a bonding layer that mediates the adhesion between electrode and separator, enabling strong bonding without direct high-temperature contact that would cause separator shrinkage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If high-temperature lamination is performed to increase adhesion force, then adhesion force is improved, but cell resistance increases due to separator damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion forceVSAvoidcell resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the temperature parameter from high-temperature lamination to low-temperature lamination by introducing a melting induction solvent. The solvent melts at low temperature to form a bonding layer between electrode and separator, achieving strong adhesion without subjecting the separator to damaging high temperatures that cause shrinkage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a melting induction solvent as an intermediary substance between the electrode and separator. This solvent melts at low temperature to form a bonding layer that mediates the adhesion between electrode and separator, enabling strong bonding without direct high-temperature contact that would cause separator shrinkage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 significantly enhances the adhesion force between electrodes and separators, achieving uniform and strong bonding while preventing separator damage, resulting in improved electrode assembly performance with increased adhesion force and reduced cell resistance.

Implementation Method 1

a vaporization process of vaporizing the melting induction solvent to form a space that is humidified by vapor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

a heater that vaporizes the melting induction solvent accommodated in the chamber to induce uniform melting on the outer surface of the separator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

a melting induction process of inducing melting on an outer surface of a separator by a melting induction solvent to increase an adhesion force of an interface between an electrode and the separator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS11355818B2Apparatus and method for manufacturing electrode assembly

Publication Date: 2022.06.07 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode assembly. The method for manufacturing the electrode assembly comprises a melting induction process of inducing melting on an outer surface of a separator by a melting induction solvent to increase an adhesion force of an interface between an electrode and the separator and a lamination process of alternately combining and laminating the electrode and the separator, wherein the melting induction process comprises a vaporization process of vaporizing the melting induction solvent to form a space that is humidified by vapor, and the electrode and the separator are disposed in the space that is humidified by the vapor to induce the uniform melting on the outer surface of the separator.