Electrode Plate Punch-Die Clearance Control Using Pressure Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrode plate manufacturing processes for rechargeable batteries face challenges in accurately measuring and maintaining the clearance between the punch and die in shear molds, leading to uneven shear surfaces, burrs, and reduced product quality.

Innovation Solution

An electrode plate processing apparatus equipped with a pressure measurement member, a clearance adjustment unit, and a control unit that adjusts the clearance between the punch and die based on measured pressure, ensuring precise control and maintaining optimal clearance during the manufacturing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional measurement equipment is used to measure the clearance, then the measurement can be performed with available equipment, but the measurement precision is insufficient to detect the actual clearance of the shear mold

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclearance measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement equipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical measurement equipment with a pressure measurement member that measures clearance indirectly through pressure detection during the punching process. The pressure measurement member includes a pressure sensor that detects pressure changes, which are then converted to clearance values through a control unit, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement devices.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a pressure measurement member as an intermediary between the punching process and the measurement system. This intermediary component measures pressure during the actual punching operation and converts it to clearance information, providing accurate clearance data without requiring direct mechanical measurement of the tiny clearance gap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the clearance is set based on processing machine precision, then the initial clearance can be established, but the clearance cannot be detected or adjusted in real-time during repetitive shearing processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclearance stability during operationVSAvoidreal-time clearance detection and adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the pressure measurement member continuously monitors pressure during the punching process, and the control unit adjusts the clearance based on this real-time pressure feedback. This closed-loop control ensures the clearance remains stable and within specified ranges throughout repetitive operations, preventing quality degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the static clearance setting into a dynamic, adjustable parameter. The clearance adjustment unit can modify the clearance in real-time based on pressure measurement feedback, allowing the system to adapt to wear and variations during repetitive shearing processes, thereby maintaining consistent quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the clearance becomes uneven during repetitive shearing processes, then manufacturing defects such as burrs occur, but the clearance change cannot be detected by conventional equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshear surface qualityVSAvoidclearance change detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement of clearance with pressure-based measurement. The pressure measurement member detects pressure changes during punching, which correlate with clearance variations. This substitution enables detection of subtle clearance changes that cause shear surface defects without requiring mechanical measurement equipment capable of measuring sub-millimeter gaps.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct clearance distance to pressure during the punching process. By measuring pressure instead of directly measuring the tiny clearance gap, the system can detect clearance variations with higher sensitivity and accuracy, enabling timely adjustments to maintain shear surface quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If a small clearance is used to shear thin electrode plates, then burrs can be prevented, but the clearance must be precisely controlled which is difficult with conventional equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveburr prevention on shear surfaceVSAvoidclearance control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical clearance control systems with a pressure-based measurement and control system. The pressure measurement member provides real-time feedback on clearance conditions, and the control unit automatically adjusts the clearance to maintain optimal values for burr-free cutting of thin electrode plates, simplifying the overall control architecture.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment of the clearance based on pressure feedback from the pressure measurement member. The control unit automatically modifies the clearance to maintain optimal cutting conditions, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex external control systems, thereby achieving precise clearance control with reduced complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 apparatus effectively prevents burrs on the shear surface, reduces manufacturing defects, and extends the lifespan of the mold by maintaining precise clearance, thereby enhancing the quality and reliability of electrode plates.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure measurement member installed on at least one of the punch or the die, wherein the pressure measurement member is configured to measure a pressure applied to the punch or the die

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP4549114A1Electrode plate processing apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP4549114A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4549114A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4549114A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electrode plate processing apparatus includes: a punch configured to cut an electrode plate; a die configured to seat the electrode plate thereon and accommodating the punch; a pressure measurement member on at least one of the punch or the die, and configured to measure a pressure applied to the punch or the die in a process in which the punch is lowered; a clearance adjustment unit on the die, and configured to adjust a clearance between the punch and the die by pressing the punch; and a control unit configured to control an operation of the clearance adjustment unit based on the pressure measured by the pressure measurement member.