Electrode Drying Layout for Uniform High-Speed Coating Drying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrode drying processes struggle to maintain drying quality when increasing drying speed, leading to potential deformation and inefficiencies in the production of electrodes for lithium secondary batteries.

Innovation Solution

An electrode drying device comprising a housing, an electrode transport unit, an air supply device, a light source, and a reflector system that includes a masking plate and exhaust ducts to control airflow and light distribution, ensuring uniform drying of coated and uncoated portions of the electrode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If drying speed is increased, then productivity is improved, but drying quality deteriorates and electrode deformation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying speedVSAvoiddrying quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The drying system is segmented into multiple light source units arranged in the first direction, with each unit independently controlling light irradiation to different sections of the electrode. This segmentation allows differentiated drying control across the electrode surface, maintaining quality while increasing overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The masking plate creates local quality differences by selectively blocking light to different portions of the electrode. The light transmitting portion allows drying of coated portions while the light blocking portion prevents drying of uncoated portions, ensuring each area receives appropriate drying treatment even at high speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If light is applied directly to the electrode, then drying efficiency is improved, but uncoated portions deform due to excessive heat

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidelectrode deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The masking plate applies local quality control by creating distinct light transmitting and light blocking portions. This allows the coated portions to receive intensive light for efficient drying while uncoated portions are protected from excessive heat, preventing deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The masking plate acts as an intermediary between the light source and the electrode, selectively mediating light transmission. It allows beneficial light to reach coated portions while blocking harmful light from reaching uncoated portions, resolving the contradiction between drying efficiency and deformation prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If air supply is increased, then drying speed is improved, but uniformity of drying across electrode surfaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying speedVSAvoiddrying uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple light source units are segmented and distributed in the first direction, with each unit providing localized drying control. This segmentation ensures uniform drying across the entire electrode surface while maintaining high overall drying speed through parallel processing of different sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 maintains drying quality and prevents deformation of uncoated electrode portions while enhancing productivity by efficiently drying electrodes at increased speeds.

Implementation Method 1

a light source unit (400) that emits light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight irradiation: Light

Implementation Method 2

emit light toward the electrode... transmit light energy to the electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

a reflector configured to reflect light emitted from the light toward the electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

an air supply device provided with the housing unit to supply air into the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 5

an exhaust duct inside the housing to exhaust internal air from the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4711695A1Electrode drying device
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP4711695A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4711695A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4711695A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an electrode drying device including a housing, an electrode transport device configured to transport an electrode through the housing unit in a first direction. An air supply is provided with the housing unit to supply air into the housing unit. A light is disposed between the electrode and the air supply device.