Electrode Reel Transfer with Orientation Control for Uncoated Regions

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Solution Overview

Problem

The battery manufacturing process faces inefficiencies in material transfer and management, particularly in maintaining the directionality of uncoated regions on current collectors, which affects the consistent supply of current collectors to post-processes.

Innovation Solution

A transfer apparatus is designed with a gripping device, position changing device, and discharge devices to rotate and reposition reels with uncoated regions, ensuring consistent orientation and efficient transfer of reels between slitters and post-processing units, utilizing ball screws, motors, and conveyor systems for precise movement and automation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual transfer and management of reels is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and consistency of uncoated region orientation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation consistency of uncoated regionsVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer apparatus is divided into distinct functional modules: a gripping device for holding reels, a position changing device for rotating reels to adjust orientation, and discharge devices for releasing reels. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, ensuring consistent orientation of uncoated regions while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The position changing device performs preliminary rotation of the reel to orient the uncoated region in the desired direction before the reel is discharged to the next processing stage. This preliminary action ensures that reels are consistently oriented before entering post-processing operations, eliminating the need for manual orientation adjustments and improving manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If automated transfer with position changing device is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial transfer efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer apparatus is designed with multi-functional components that can handle multiple operations. The gripping device can transfer reels between different positions, the position changing device can rotate reels to various orientations, and discharge devices can release reels to different destinations. This universality allows a single apparatus to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate devices, improving productivity while controlling overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The position changing device acts as an intermediary between the gripping device and discharge devices. It receives reels from the gripping device, adjusts their orientation as needed, and then transfers them to the appropriate discharge device. This intermediary function automates the transfer process and ensures consistent orientation, significantly improving material transfer efficiency and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If reels are transferred without position control, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision of uncoated region orientation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuncoated region orientationVSAvoidposition control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical orientation adjustment with an automated position changing device that uses a ball screw mechanism. This mechanical substitution eliminates human error and variability in orientation, ensuring consistent positioning of uncoated regions while providing precise control through a systematic mechanical approach rather than ad-hoc manual manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution enhances the efficiency of the battery manufacturing process by ensuring consistent orientation of uncoated regions, improving material transfer precision and speed, and streamlining post-processing operations.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing ball screws, motors, and conveyor systems for precise movement and automation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBall screw: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP4321463A1Transferring apparatus for material for electrode

Publication Date: 2024.02.14 SK ON CO LTD

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AI summary

A transfer apparatus for a material for an electrode according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology includes an apparatus body; a gripping device configured to grip a reel wound around a current collector; a first moving device connected to the gripping device and the apparatus body and configured to move the gripping device; a position changing device configured to rotate the reel when the reel is seated; and a first discharge device disposed on one side of the apparatus body and configured to discharge the reel to the outside of the apparatus body when the rotated reel is seated.