Electrode Sheet Notching with a Slit Jig to Prevent Debris Buildup
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for notching electrode sheets in battery manufacturing face issues such as accumulation of foreign substances, equipment downtime due to jig replacement, and surface damage, which affect the stability and efficiency of the process.
Innovation Solution
A notching apparatus and method utilizing a jig with a slit instead of a drum-shaped pattern, featuring a conveying unit with rollers and a processing unit with a laser, where the jig moves in a plane parallel to the electrode sheet to minimize foreign substance accumulation and adjust tension, ensuring accurate and stable processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a drum-shaped pattern jig with holes is used for laser notching, then the electrode sheet can be processed, but foreign substances accumulate on the jig requiring periodic cleaning and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful function of the jig (accumulating foreign substances) is eliminated by removing the closed drum structure with holes. The open jig design extracts the problematic enclosed space where foreign substances accumulated, allowing laser beams to pass through while preventing foreign substance buildup on the jig surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the jig rotate with the electrode sheet (traditional approach), the invention inverts the approach by having the jig move linearly on a plane while the electrode sheet remains relatively stationary. This inversion of motion patterns prevents foreign substance accumulation while maintaining notching precision.
2Productivity
If a drum-shaped pattern jig is used for notching, then processing can be performed, but equipment downtime occurs due to periodic jig replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adopts a simple, inexpensive open jig design that can be easily replaced or discarded. Instead of maintaining complex drum-shaped jigs that require periodic replacement, the simple open jig structure reduces both the cost and time associated with jig maintenance and replacement, improving overall equipment productivity.
3Productivity
If foreign substances accumulate on the jig during notching, then processing continues, but defects occur due to damage to the electrode sheet surface
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful accumulation function is extracted by using an open jig structure without enclosed spaces. This prevents foreign substances from accumulating on the jig surface, thereby eliminating the source of contamination that would otherwise transfer to the electrode sheet and cause defects.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If a slit is formed on the jig instead of holes, then foreign substance accumulation is minimized, but the jig structure must be redesigned
Solution Approach 1:
The jig structure is segmented into simple linear slits rather than complex circular holes in a drum. This segmentation simplifies the overall jig geometry, making it easier to manufacture and maintain while effectively preventing foreign substance accumulation through the linear opening configuration.
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
This approach minimizes foreign substance accumulation, reduces equipment downtime, prevents surface damage, and enhances the stability of the notching process by adjusting tension and ensuring precise laser processing.
Implementation Method 1
a processing unit comprising a laser for processing the electrode sheet, wherein the jig has a slit formed on a surface facing the electrode sheet, and moves on a plane coplanar with one surface of the electrode sheet so that a laser beam, which processed the electrode sheet, passes through the slit
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode sheet notching apparatus includes: a conveying unit comprising a first roller and a second roller for conveying the electrode sheet; a jig unit comprising a jig for supporting the electrode sheet; and a processing unit comprising a laser for processing the electrode sheet. The jig has a slit formed on a surface facing the electrode sheet, and the laser beam, which processed the electrode sheet, moves on a plane coplanar with one surface of the electrode sheet to pass through the slit.