Electrode Forming Chamber Pressure Layout for Oxygen Inhibition Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrode manufacturing apparatuses have limited options for gases used to reduce air flow into chambers, which restricts the effectiveness of gas replacement modules in controlling internal pressures and oxygen inhibition during curing processes.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a first chamber with a first gas supply and a second chamber with a second gas supply, where the internal pressure of the second chamber is equal to or higher than atmospheric pressure and equal to or lower than the first chamber, allowing for the use of a wider range of gases to reduce air flow, including air containing oxygen as the second gas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a second gas is supplied to control the internal pressure of a first chamber to reduce the amount of air flowing into the first chamber, then the amount of air flowing into the first chamber is reduced, but the options for the second gas are limited because it must match the type of the first gas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamount of air flowing into the first chamberVSAvoidoptions for the second gas
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gas control system is divided into two independent segments: the first chamber with its own gas supply unit controlling internal pressure, and the second chamber with a separate gas supply unit controlling internal pressure. This segmentation allows each chamber to use different gas types independently, resolving the contradiction by enabling the second chamber to use air (or other gases) without being constrained to match the first chamber's gas type, while both chambers work together to reduce air flow into the first chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the internal pressure of the second chamber is controlled to be higher than atmospheric pressure to reduce air flow into the first chamber, then air flow into the first chamber is reduced, but the pressure control range is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow into the first chamberVSAvoidpressure control range
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure control system is made dynamic and adaptable by allowing the second chamber's internal pressure to be independently adjusted within a wide range (from below atmospheric pressure to above atmospheric pressure) based on actual process requirements. The gas supply unit for the second chamber can dynamically change pressure levels to optimize air flow reduction while maintaining flexibility for different operating conditions, rather than being fixed at a single pressure level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration widens the options for gases used to minimize air flow into the first chamber, enhancing the control of internal pressures and reducing oxygen inhibition, thereby improving the curing process efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a first chamber (11) including a first opening and a second opening, gas present in the first chamber being replaceable with a first gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas replacement:

Implementation Method 2

a second gas supply unit to supply a second gas into the second chamber, in which an internal pressure of the second chamber is equal to or higher than atmospheric pressure and equal to or lower than an internal pressure of the first chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure control:

Implementation Method 3

an internal pressure of the second chamber is equal to or higher than atmospheric pressure and equal to or lower than an internal pressure of the first chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 4

a conveyance unit to convey a base material to insert the base material into the first chamber via the first opening and remove the base material from the first chamber via the second opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical conveyance:

Data Source

PatentEP4378964A1Electrode forming apparatus, resin structure body manufacturing apparatus, electrode forming method, and resin structure body manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4378964A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4378964A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4378964A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electrode forming apparatus (100; 100a) is provided that includes: a first chamber (11) including a first opening (111) and a second opening (112), gas present in the first chamber (11) being replaceable with a first gas (S1); a first gas supply unit (12) to supply the first gas (S1) into the first chamber (11); a conveyance unit (13) to convey a base material (7) to insert the base material (7) into the first chamber (11) via the first opening (111) and remove the base material (7) from the first chamber (11) via the second opening (112); a second chamber (14) on a downstream side of the first chamber (11) in a conveyance direction in which the base material (7) is conveyed by the conveyance unit (13); and a second gas supply unit (15) to supply a second gas (S2) into the second chamber(14).