Electrode Sheet Handling for Automated Defect Removal and Rejoining

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrode manufacturing devices manually separate and discard defective electrodes and reconnect normal electrodes, leading to reduced equipment efficiency and productivity.

Innovation Solution

An automated electrode manufacturing device with suction units, a rotating mechanism, cutting units, and taping units that automatically separate defective electrodes from normal electrodes and reconnect them, improving the efficiency and productivity of the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual separation and reconnection of electrodes is performed, then operational flexibility is maintained, but equipment efficiency and productivity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment efficiencyVSAvoidmanual operation level

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses vision recognition to automatically detect defective electrodes and triggers automated cutting and reconnection operations without manual intervention. The device serves itself by integrating detection, decision-making, and execution functions into an autonomous workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated systems including vision recognition for detection, programmable cutting mechanisms for separation, and automated taping units for reconnection. This substitution eliminates manual labor while maintaining operational precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated cutting and reconnection is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing speedVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vision recognition unit serves multiple functions: detecting defective electrodes, determining their positions, and providing data for automated control. The cutting unit and taping unit are integrated into a single automated system that performs both separation and reconnection operations, reducing overall system complexity despite increased functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection, cutting, and reconnection functions are merged into an integrated automated system. The vision recognition unit, cutting unit, and taping unit operate as a coordinated whole under centralized control, allowing multiple operations to be performed in sequence without manual intervention and improving manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of time

If defective electrodes are manually handled, then operational control is maintained, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing timeVSAvoidoperational control

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system maintains continuous operation by immediately detecting defective electrodes and proceeding with cutting and reconnection without manual intervention delays. The vision recognition unit continuously monitors the electrode stream, and the automated cutting and taping units operate in seamless sequence, eliminating idle time between operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The vision recognition unit provides real-time feedback on electrode quality and position, which automatically triggers the cutting and reconnection operations. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that defective electrodes are identified and processed immediately, maintaining operational control while minimizing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 device enhances equipment efficiency and productivity by automating the separation and reconnection of electrodes, reducing manual intervention and increasing the speed and accuracy of the manufacturing process.

Implementation Method 1

an electrode suction unit that holds the electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS20230378511A1Electrode Manufacturing Device and Electrode Manufacturing Method Using the Same

Publication Date: 2023.11.23 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

An electrode manufacturing device includes: a first electrode suction unit, a second electrode suction unit, a third electrode suction, a rotating unit for rotating the first electrode suction unit, a cutting, and a taping unit spaced from and facing the cutting unit. The first and second electrode suction units are configured to apply suction to a first electrode sheet including a normal electrode portion and a defective electrode portion, and the third electrode suction unit is configured to apply suction to a second electrode sheet. The cutting unit is arranged to cut the first electrode sheet between the normal electrode portion and the defective electrode portion. The rotating unit is configured to rotate the first electrode suction unit between a first position aligned along a common plane with the second electrode suction unit and a second position aligned along a common plane with the third electrode suction unit.