Electrode Drying Control via Color Coordinate Defect Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrode drying processes lack real-time quality control and adaptive drying condition adjustment, leading to inconsistent electrode quality and increased defect rates.

Innovation Solution

An electrode drying apparatus and method that incorporates a color coordinate measuring unit and a controller to analyze the drying result of the electrode based on measured color coordinates, determining defects in drying and adjusting the drying conditions in real time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If real-time quality monitoring and automatic control system are implemented, then electrode quality consistency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode quality consistencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where a color coordinate measuring unit continuously monitors the electrode surface during drying, and the controller adjusts drying conditions based on this real-time feedback. The measuring unit detects color changes that indicate drying progress and quality, sending signals back to the controller which then modifies heating parameters to maintain optimal drying conditions and ensure consistent electrode quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical quality inspection methods with optical measurement technology. Instead of manual sampling and physical testing, a color coordinate measuring unit uses optical detection to non-contact, non-destructively monitor electrode drying quality in real-time, substituting complex mechanical measurement systems with simpler optical sensing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If drying conditions are adjusted in real time, then defect rate is reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect rateVSAvoidcolor coordinate measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes color changes of the electrode surface as an indicator of drying progress and quality. The color coordinate measuring unit detects subtle color variations that occur as the electrode dries, which are directly related to moisture content and drying uniformity. By monitoring these color changes in real-time, the system can detect potential defects early and adjust drying conditions to prevent defect formation, making the measurement system sufficiently precise for quality control purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Productivity

If automatic control system is implemented, then productivity is improved through reduced rework, but initial manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-regulating drying system where the automatic control unit continuously monitors drying progress and self-adjusts drying parameters without external intervention. The system serves itself by detecting deviations from optimal drying conditions and automatically correcting them, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and adjustment, thereby improving productivity and reducing labor costs despite higher initial equipment investment.

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

This solution enables real-time monitoring and adjustment of electrode drying conditions, significantly improving electrode quality by reducing defects and ensuring consistent adhesive force and drying completeness.

Implementation Method 1

a color coordinate measuring unit configured to be positioned at an outlet of the oven and measure a color coordinate value of an electrode active material layer with respect to the dried electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection/absorption: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an oven configured to provide a space in which the electrode is dried and to include a hot air nozzle or an infrared heater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

an oven configured to provide a space in which the electrode is dried and to include a hot air nozzle or an infrared heater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS12209805B2Electrode drying device and electrode drying method

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electrode drying apparatus and an electrode drying method, and the electrode drying apparatus includes: an oven configured to provide a space in which the electrode is dried and to include a hot air nozzle or an infrared heater; a color coordinate measuring unit configured to be positioned at an outlet of the oven and measure a color coordinate value of an electrode active material layer with respect to the dried electrode; and a controller configured to analyze a drying result of the electrode from the color coordinate value, determine whether the electrode is defective in drying, and control a drying condition of the electrode.