Electrode Magazine Heating for Accurate Sheet Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Defects occur in manufactured electrode assemblies due to improper separation of electrodes during the manufacturing process, leading to issues with contact between electrode surfaces and separators.

Innovation Solution

An electrode supply device and method that includes a heating unit to expand an air layer between electrodes, allowing for proper separation and assembly of electrodes within the electrode assembly, using non-contact heat sources like radiant, induction, or laser-type heat sources to maintain temperature control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If electrodes are stacked in a magazine for supply, then productivity is improved, but electrode separation becomes difficult causing defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode supply efficiencyVSAvoidelectrode separation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A release film is introduced as an intermediary layer between the electrodes in the magazine. This release film prevents direct contact and adhesion between electrodes, enabling smooth separation and pick-up operations while maintaining high stacking density for productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces purely mechanical electrode handling with a combination of thermal field application and mechanical pick-up. Heating units are applied to locally heat the electrode stack, reducing adhesion forces, followed by mechanical pick-up using pick-up units with controlled contact pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If heating is applied to expand air layer between electrodes, then electrode separation is improved, but temperature control becomes critical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode separationVSAvoidtemperature control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Heating units are positioned to apply heat locally to specific regions of the electrode stack where separation is needed, rather than heating the entire stack uniformly. This localized heating approach expands the air layer precisely where required while minimizing overall temperature increase and improving control precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The heating process is applied periodically and intermittently to the electrode stack, with heating cycles synchronized to the electrode pick-up rhythm. This periodic heating allows the air layer to expand and contract in a controlled manner, preventing overheating while maintaining effective separation at critical moments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Prevents separation of multiple sheets during electrode assembly, enhancing productivity by ensuring proper separation and adhesion of electrodes and separators, thereby improving the manufacturing process.

Implementation Method 1

a heating unit configured to heat the first electrode and a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode to expand an air layer between the first electrode and the second electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS20250349874A1Electrode Supply Device, Electrode Assembly Manufacturing Apparatus Using the Electrode Supply Device, Electrode Supply Method, and Electrode Assembly Manufacturing Method Using the Electrode Supply Method

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

An electrode supply device includes: an electrode magazine unit in which a plurality of electrodes are stacked; and an electrode pick-up unit configured to pick up an uppermost first electrode among the plurality of electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrode magazine unit and the electrode pick-up unit includes a heating unit configured to heat the first electrode and a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode to expand an air layer between the first electrode and the second electrode.