Electrode Insulating Layer Coating With Surface Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrode manufacturing processes face challenges in maintaining the quality and reliability of electrodes, particularly in forming uniform insulating layers, which can lead to defects such as streaks and pinholes.

Innovation Solution

An electrode manufacturing apparatus that includes an applier for applying a liquid composition to form an insulating layer, a controller to regulate the application based on surface condition detection by a surface detector, and the ability to adjust the pattern and amount of the liquid composition applied to address defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a liquid composition is applied to form an insulating layer onto an electrode base or functional layer, then the electrode surface is covered with insulation, but surface defects such as streaks and pinholes may occur reducing manufacturing precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode qualityVSAvoidinsulating layer uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where a surface detector continuously monitors the insulating layer surface for defects, and the controller automatically adjusts the liquid composition application pattern in real-time based on detected surface conditions, creating a closed-loop quality control mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the static application pattern into a dynamic one that can be adjusted in real-time. The controller modifies the liquid composition application pattern based on real-time surface detection feedback, enabling the system to adapt to varying surface conditions during the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the amount of liquid composition applied is increased to cover defects, then surface quality improves, but material consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface qualityVSAvoidliquid composition consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by adjusting the liquid composition application pattern specifically at defect locations rather than uniformly across the entire surface. The controller increases liquid composition application only where surface defects are detected by the surface detector, maintaining high surface quality while minimizing overall material consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses partial action by applying liquid composition selectively only to areas requiring correction. Instead of uniformly increasing application across the entire surface, the system applies excess liquid composition locally only at detected defect sites, achieving the necessary surface quality improvement with minimal additional material consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 detects and addresses defects in real-time by increasing the amount of liquid composition applied, resulting in improved surface quality and reliability of the electrodes.

Implementation Method 1

a surface detector configured to detect a surface condition of the liquid composition or the insulating layer on the electrode base or the functional layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface detection:

Implementation Method 2

an applier configured to apply a liquid composition to form an insulating layer onto an electrode base or a functional layer on the electrode base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoating/Deposition: Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4246606B1Electrode manufacturing apparatus, method for manufacturing electrode, apparatus for manufacturing electrochemical device, and method for manufacturing electrochemical device
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4246606B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4246606B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4246606B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electrode manufacturing apparatus (1) includes: an applier (5) configured to apply a liquid composition (24) to form an insulating layer (21) onto an electrode base (9) or a functional layer (12) on the electrode base (9); a controller (40) configured to control the applier (5); and a surface detector (8) configured to detect a surface condition of the liquid composition (24) or the insulating layer (21) on the electrode base (9) or the functional layer (12), wherein the controller (40) controls the applier (5) based on the surface condition of the liquid composition (24) or the insulating layer (21) detected by the surface detector (8).