Electrode Plate Support Surface for Stable Laser Tab Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser cutting methods for electrode plates in batteries face issues such as poor cutting quality, including failing to cut, tab tearing, and burr formation, due to defocusing and shaking of the electrode plate during the cutting process.

Innovation Solution

An electrode plate supporting device with a light absorbing and light transmitting component, which absorbs and disperses excess laser energy, combined with an air cooling system to manage heat and a dust suction unit to improve cutting quality and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electrode plate is not properly supported during laser cutting, then the cutting process is simpler, but the electrode plate shakes and causes poor cutting quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting qualityVSAvoidsupporting device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an abutting surface as an intermediary component between the laser assembly and the electrode plate. This abutting surface serves as a mediator that provides support and positioning for the electrode plate during cutting, eliminating shaking without requiring complex supporting structures. The abutting surface is integrated into the laser assembly's base, creating a simple yet effective support mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the laser energy is not managed properly, then the cutting efficiency is higher, but the components suffer from laser damage and overheating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting efficiencyVSAvoidlaser damage to components
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of excess laser energy into a beneficial cooling mechanism. The air extraction unit creates negative pressure that draws air through the light absorbing component, and the laser energy that would otherwise damage components is instead used to heat the air for cooling the electrode plate cutting area. The light absorbing component serves dual purposes: absorbing excess laser energy and facilitating air flow for cooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatic principles by using an air extraction unit to create negative pressure for cooling. The air extraction unit draws air through the light absorbing component and across the cutting area, providing active cooling to manage laser-generated heat. This pneumatic cooling system allows high laser energy to be used for cutting without damaging components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If dust is not removed during cutting, then the equipment is simpler, but the cutting quality and safety deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting qualityVSAvoiddust removal system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into the air extraction unit. It serves both as a cooling system (drawing air through the light absorbing component) and as a dust removal system (suctioning dust away from the cutting area). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dust collection equipment, maintaining simplicity while improving cutting quality and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enhances cutting quality by preventing defocusing and shaking, reduces damage to components, and improves the reliability and safety of battery tabs by effectively managing laser energy and temperature.

Implementation Method 1

a light transmitting component for allowing the laser to transmit therethrough

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

the laser passing through the electrode plate will be dispersed in the light transmitting component after passing through the focal point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight dispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 3

a light absorbing component for absorbing laser... the laser emitted by the laser assembly is used for cutting the electrode plate and little laser passing through the electrode plate transmits through the light transmitting component to be absorbed by the light absorbing component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

a body constructed with an abutting surface for abutting against an electrode plate to tension the electrode plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical tension: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP4406691B1Electrode plate supporting device, laser cutting apparatus, and laser cutting method for electrode plate
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY (HONG KONG) LIMITED
  • EP4406691B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4406691B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4406691B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an electrode plate supporting device, a laser cutting apparatus and a laser cutting method for an electrode plate. The electrode plate supporting device is used in coordination with the laser assembly and includes a body constructed with an abutting surface for abutting against an electrode plate to tension the electrode plate. The laser assembly is configured to emit laser to the abutting surface. During laser cutting, the electrode plate abuts against the abutting surface and closely fits the abutting surface to extend fully and thus is in a flattened state, and therefore, the problem of defocusing caused by a wavy edge is solved. Moreover, supported by the abutting surface, the electrode plate is tensioned and not prone to shaking, and therefore, problems such as failing to cut off the incoming material due to easy shaking of the electrode plate are effectively solved. The cutting quality of a tab can be improved and the use safety of a battery can be improved.