Electrode Notching Device Segmentation for Pressing Rate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing notching devices for continuous electrode sheets face inefficiencies due to the press's dual role in both forming notches and transporting the electrode sheet, leading to reduced production rates and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A notching device configuration where a drawing member transports the electrode sheet, allowing the press to focus solely on forming high-quality notches, with optional dual grippers and a tension system to enhance efficiency and precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the press performs both notching and transport functions simultaneously, then the device structure is simplified, but the pressing rate decreases and production efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidpressing rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the press system into two independent functional modules: a notching press that performs only notching operations, and a separate transport mechanism that handles electrode sheet conveyance. This segmentation allows each module to optimize its performance independently, with the notching press achieving higher pressing rates without being constrained by transport cycle times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transport function is extracted from the press and assigned to a dedicated transport mechanism. This extraction enables the press to focus exclusively on notching operations, eliminating the time loss associated with the press performing both notching and transport in sequence, thereby significantly increasing the pressing rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the press moves backwards with the electrode sheet during continuous feeding, then the pressing operation is simplified, but the pressing rate is limited by transport speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressing operationVSAvoidpressing rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the pressing operation from the transport operation, with the notching press remaining stationary while a dedicated transport mechanism handles electrode sheet conveyance. This allows the press to operate at optimal pressing speeds without being constrained by transport cycle times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transport mechanism serves itself by independently handling both the conveyance of the electrode sheet and the positioning for notching operations, freeing the press to focus solely on high-speed notching without needing to coordinate its movement with transport cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the press serves as both feeder and presser, then the number of components is reduced, but the production efficiency deteriorates due to inertia of moving mold

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the system into a stationary notching press and a separate transport mechanism with movable components. The mold in the notching press remains stationary, eliminating inertia-related speed limitations, while the transport mechanism handles all movement requirements for feeding and positioning electrode sheets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The feeding function is extracted from the press and assigned to the transport mechanism. This allows the press to be a simple, stationary notching device that can operate at high speeds without the complexity and inertia constraints of integrated transport mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2648248B1Novel device for notching and secondary battery produced by using same
Publication Date: 2016.02.24 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP2648248B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2648248B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2648248B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a device for notching, at an interval of a unit electrode, a continuous electrode sheet in which an electrode active material is applied to one or both surfaces thereof, to form a plurality of unit electrodes from the electrode sheet, the device including a press to press notches on the top and the bottom of the electrode sheet at a set position, and a drawing member arranged at the rear of the press based on a feed direction of the electrode sheet, the drawing member drawing and transporting the electrode sheet by one pitch, a size corresponding to the unit electrode according to operation of the press, wherein, when one of the grippers draws and transports the electrode sheet, the remaining grippers move to a position for drawing.