Electrode Laser Notching with Dual-Depth Irradiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing laser notching process for secondary battery electrodes causes damage to the periphery and deteriorates notching quality due to excessive energy application.

Innovation Solution

A notching device with two light source units that sequentially irradiate lasers with different depths to cut the electrode, using a first light source unit to penetrate through a first insulating layer and a metal layer, and a second light source unit to penetrate through both insulating and metal layers, creating an uneven shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single laser source is used to notch the electrode, then the notching process is simple, but excessive energy is applied causing damage to the periphery and deterioration of notching quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser notching device structureVSAvoidnotching quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The single laser source is divided into two separate laser sources (first laser source and second laser source). The first laser source creates a through-hole through the electrode, and the second laser source creates a recessed portion. This segmentation allows each laser to perform a specific function with controlled energy application, preventing peripheral damage while maintaining notching quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of moving object

If high energy laser is applied to ensure deep penetration, then the notching depth is sufficient, but damage occurs to the periphery of the irradiation point

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenotching depthVSAvoidperipheral damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The notching process is divided into two stages using two separate laser sources. The first laser source applies high energy to create deep penetration and through-holes. The second laser source then applies controlled energy to create recessed portions without excessive peripheral damage. This segmentation allows deep notching while controlling peripheral heat accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first laser source performs preliminary action by creating through-holes in the electrode before the second laser source creates the final recessed shape. This preliminary penetration eases the burden on the second laser, allowing it to work with lower energy and avoid peripheral damage while achieving the desired final depth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If laser energy is increased to improve notching efficiency, then the notching speed increases, but the notching quality deteriorates due to excessive penetration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenotching efficiencyVSAvoidnotching quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The notching process is segmented into two independent laser operations. The first laser source operates at high energy for efficient deep penetration and through-hole creation. The second laser source operates at controlled energy for precise recessed portion formation. This segmentation allows each laser to optimize for its specific task, maintaining both efficiency and quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first laser source performs partial action by creating only the through-hole portion, leaving the recessed portion to be formed by the second laser source. This partial action approach allows the first laser to use excessive energy for efficient penetration without compromising final quality, as the second laser will refine the shape with controlled energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive 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 damage to the periphery and enhances notching quality by efficiently using laser energy, ensuring precise cuts without excessive penetration.

Implementation Method 1

a first light source unit located above the electrode and irradiating a laser so that the laser passes through the first insulating layer and reaches the metal layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a second light source unit located on one side of the first light source unit and irradiating a laser so that the laser passes through the first insulating layer and the metal layer and reaches the lower surface of the second insulating layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP4684905A1Notching device
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4684905A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4684905A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4684905A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A notching device, which cuts an electrode that is transferred in a certain direction and includes a metal layer, a first insulating layer laminated on an upper surface of the metal layer, and a second insulating layer laminated on a lower surface of the metal layer, the notching device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first light source unit located above the electrode and irradiating a laser so that the laser passes through the first insulating layer and reaches the metal layer, and a second light source unit located on one side of the first light source unit and irradiating a laser so that the laser passes through the first insulating layer and the metal layer and reaches the lower surface of the second insulating layer.