Secondary Battery Electrode Drying with Side Hot-Air Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The uneven drying speed between the side and central areas of an electrode in secondary batteries leads to cracking due to the Coanda effect and hot air concentration, which can cause fire hazards and reduce charge capacity.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing method and apparatus that use a shielding device to control the heat distribution by measuring the height difference in the coating layer and shielding the side areas where the offset value is less than a reference value, using hot air from both central and side nozzles to uniformly dry the electrode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If hot air is supplied uniformly to the entire electrode surface, then the drying process is simplified, but the drying speed becomes uneven between side and central areas causing cracks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the drying treatment between side areas and central areas of the electrode. A shielding device is selectively positioned to block hot air supply to side areas where the coating layer has smaller thickness, while central areas with larger coating thickness receive normal hot air supply. This localized adjustment of heat distribution resolves the drying speed uniformity issue without complicating the overall drying process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by measuring the coating layer thickness distribution before the drying process and pre-positioning the shielding device according to the measured offset values. The height sensor detects the coating layer height in advance, and the shielding device is positioned to correspond with side areas having offset values below a reference threshold, ensuring uniform drying before the actual drying begins.
2Manufacturing precision
If the shielding device is used to block hot air in side areas, then drying speed uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the shielding device movable rather than fixed. The shielding device can be positioned and repositioned along the electrode width direction based on the measured coating layer thickness distribution. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different coating patterns while maintaining a relatively simple apparatus structure compared to having multiple fixed shielding elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by using the height sensor to automatically detect coating layer thickness and determine where shielding is needed, then automatically positioning the shielding device accordingly. The controller integrates the height measurement data and controls the shielding device position without requiring manual intervention, reducing operational complexity while achieving precise drying control.
3Manufacturing precision
If the offset value threshold is set low, then more areas are shielded improving uniformity, but the central area may be overly protected reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a reference value threshold for the offset value to determine shielding application. By adjusting this reference value parameter, the system can optimize the balance between uniformity and productivity. The reference value is set to identify only those side areas with significantly smaller coating thickness that require shielding, allowing central areas with adequate thickness to proceed with normal drying at full efficiency.
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 method reduces the drying speed disparity between the side and central areas, preventing cracks and enhancing the manufacturing yield of electrodes for secondary batteries.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the height of a coating layer through a height sensor
Implementation Method 2
the flow of hot air is concentrated in the side area of the electrode and the amount of heat transferred to the side area is greater than that in the central area
Implementation Method 3
the solvent of the slurry to be evaporated per unit time
Implementation Method 4
the Coanda effect of a nozzle, cracks are generated on the electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a manufacturing method of an electrode for secondary battery, the method comprising: forming a coating layer on a current collector; obtaining an offset value representing a height difference in the width direction of the coating layer; moving a shielding device to a position where the offset value is less than a reference value; and drying the coating layer.