Electrode Film Coating Layout for Precise Thickness Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing film forming techniques struggle to achieve controlled film thickness and quality in the production of electrodes and electrochemical elements.

Innovation Solution

A film forming apparatus with a liquid applying unit that includes head units to discharge liquid composition alternately and periodically, forming a first and second coating film region on a base, controlled by a control unit to ensure precise application and drying, using a liquid discharge method to form a resin or inorganic layer on an electrode base.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional film forming techniques are used, then film formation can be achieved, but film thickness control and quality uniformity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm thickness controlVSAvoidfilm quality uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the film formation process into multiple discrete liquid discharge steps, with multiple liquid discharge heads positioned at different locations. Each head applies liquid to specific regions, and the process is segmented into predetermined stages. This segmentation enables precise control of film thickness and uniformity across large areas by independently managing different regions through controlled liquid discharge patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If multiple liquid discharge heads are used, then film coverage area increases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm formation areaVSAvoidliquid discharge system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multiple liquid discharge heads that can be positioned at different locations along the conveyance direction, allowing a single apparatus to handle both small and large area film formation requirements. The system is designed to be versatile by enabling selective activation and positioning of discharge heads based on the specific application needs, thus achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 apparatus enables the formation of films with controlled thickness and excellent quality, ensuring accurate applicability and resistance to electrolytic solutions, maintaining insulation properties and withstanding high-pressure processing.

Implementation Method 1

a head discharges the liquid onto the base based on the applying data generated by the control unit, to form a film on the base

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid deposition: Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4245423B1Film forming apparatus, electrode, electrochemical element, and film forming method
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4245423B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4245423B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4245423B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A film forming apparatus (100) is provided that includes: a control unit (400) configured to repeatedly arrange predetermined liquid disposition data (P) indicating an applying position of a liquid in a predetermined region (120) on a base (102), to generate an applying data (A); and a head (130) configured to discharge the liquid onto the base (102) based on the applying data (A) generated by the control unit (400), to form a film on the base (102).