Electrode Support Jig With Laser-Receiving Slot for Stable Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser cutting technologies for electrodes in secondary batteries face issues such as electrode movement during transport, excessive machine space requirements, incomplete cutting, machine damage from laser irradiation, and friction-induced damage, particularly in drum and flying type machines.

Innovation Solution

A jig is designed to support electrodes with coated and uncoated portions, featuring a first support portion for the uncoated area with a laser receiving hole or groove and a second support portion for the coated area, which may include air floating capabilities and a coating layer to minimize movement and friction, and prevent machine and electrode damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a drum type laser cutting machine is used to directly support the electrode, then stable cutting and prevention of electrode movement are achieved, but the machine occupies excessive space and the drum may be damaged by laser irradiation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting stabilityVSAvoidmachine space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into two distinct portions: a first support portion for supporting the uncoated portion of the electrode and a second support portion for supporting the coated portion. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function, with the first support portion including a laser receiving hole to prevent laser damage while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A laser receiving hole is introduced as an intermediary structure in the first support portion. This hole allows the laser beam to pass through without directly contacting the support structure, preventing laser-induced damage to the drum while maintaining the electrode's stable positioning during cutting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If a flying type laser cutting machine is used to reduce space, then machine space is reduced, but large electrode movements occur during transport resulting in low cutting quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemachine spaceVSAvoidcutting quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode support is segmented into two portions with different support characteristics. The first support portion provides stable support for the uncoated area during transport, while the second support portion handles the coated area, preventing electrode movement and ensuring cutting precision in a compact machine layout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If laser irradiation is applied to cut the electrode, then cutting is achieved, but the machine may be damaged by laser irradiation and friction during transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting capabilityVSAvoidmachine damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The laser receiving hole acts as an intermediary that allows the laser beam to pass through the first support portion without directly contacting it. This prevents laser-induced damage to the support structure while maintaining the ability to perform cutting operations on the electrode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A coating layer is applied to the first support portion to reduce friction between the support structure and the electrode during transport. This pneumatic/coating-based approach minimizes wear and damage from frictional contact while maintaining stable support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 jig stabilizes electrode transport, prevents incomplete cutting, reduces machine space requirements, and minimizes damage from laser irradiation and friction, enhancing cutting quality and machine longevity.

Implementation Method 1

a laser receiving portion at a location corresponding to an irradiation area of a laser for cutting the uncoated portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

The second support portion may be configured to float the electrode on the second support portion. The second support portion may have an air floating hole.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir floating: Air Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS20250233189A1Jig and electrode manufacturing system comprising the same

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A jig configured to support an electrode which is transported along a first direction, in which the electrode includes a coated portion coated with an electrode active material and an uncoated portion not coated with the electrode active material, includes a first support portion configured to support an area corresponding to the uncoated portion of the electrode, the first support portion including a laser receiving portion at a location corresponding to an irradiation area of a laser for cutting the uncoated portion; and a second support portion configured to support an area corresponding to the coated portion of the electrode.