Electrode Plate Defect Separation in Continuous Roll Manufacturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional continuous electrode manufacturing processes are hindered by defects in electrode plates, leading to decreased mass productivity and increased operator workload due to manual removal of defective plates, which also elevates the defect rate.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method for automatically detecting and separating defective electrode plates by cutting at the start and end of defects, connecting them to separate rolls, and continuing normal plate processing, using guide rollers, cutting parts, and taping mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual removal of defective electrode plates is performed, then defective plates can be removed from the production line, but mass productivity decreases and operator workload increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect removal effectivenessVSAvoidmass productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic detection and removal of defective electrode plates through self-service mechanisms. The detection device automatically identifies defects, and the winding apparatus automatically separates and winds defective plates without human intervention, allowing the production line to maintain continuous operation while ensuring defect removal effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated systems. The detection device uses optical or sensing mechanisms to identify defects, and the winding apparatus uses automated winding mechanisms to separate defective plates, substituting human operators and manual processes with automated mechanical and sensing systems.

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

2Reliability

If manual removal of defective electrode plates is performed, then defective plates can be identified and removed, but operator workload increases and mistake rate increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoidoperator workload
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device and winding apparatus work together as a self-service system that automatically detects defects and removes defective plates. The system performs detection, identification, and removal operations autonomously without requiring operator intervention, thereby eliminating workload-related mistakes while maintaining high detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device provides real-time feedback on electrode plate quality, and the winding apparatus responds immediately by separating defective plates. This closed-loop feedback system ensures accurate defect detection is directly translated into appropriate removal actions without human intervention, eliminating mistakes caused by operator fatigue or error.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the production line is stopped to remove defective plates, then defective plates can be safely removed, but mass productivity significantly decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect removal safetyVSAvoidmass productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The winding apparatus enables continuous operation of the production line by automatically separating and winding defective plates as they are detected. This allows the electrode plate feeding process to continue uninterrupted while defective plates are simultaneously removed, maintaining both safety and productivity without requiring production line stoppages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system extracts defective electrode plates from the continuous production stream through the winding apparatus. Defective plates are identified and immediately extracted and wound separately while the main production line continues operating, allowing defect removal without interrupting the continuous manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Productivity

If automated detection and removal systems are implemented, then mass productivity improves and operator workload decreases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass productivityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a detection device for identifying defects and a winding apparatus for separating and winding defective plates. This modular segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving high productivity and reducing operator workload.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4187637B1Apparatus and method for continuously manufacturing electrode
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4187637B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4187637B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4187637B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In an apparatus for continuously manufacturing an electrode by transferring and rolling an electrode plate, the present disclosure relates to an electrode continuous manufacturing apparatus that can improve the mass productivity of the electrode continuous manufacturing process by automatically and continuously removing and taking out the electrode plate in which a defect occurs.