Electrode Rolling with Non-Coating Edge Pressing to Prevent Swelling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increase in the loading amount of the electrode mixture layer in secondary batteries leads to an increase in electrode volume and higher process defect rates due to swelling at the non-coating portion during high-pressure rolling.

Innovation Solution

An electrode rolling apparatus and method that includes a non-coating portion pressing unit to form a pattern on the non-coating region of the electrode substrate, using non-coating portion rolling rollers with surface unevenness and potentially different hardnesses, and optionally induction heating to minimize swelling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If high-pressure rolling is applied to increase electrode density and reduce volume, then the loading amount of electrode mixture layer increases, but swelling occurs at the non-coating portion causing increased process defect rate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading amount of electrode mixture layerVSAvoidprocess defect rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rolling process is segmented into two distinct stages: first, the electrode substrate undergoes general rolling to achieve initial density; second, the non-coating portion specifically undergoes additional pressing to eliminate swelling. This segmentation allows different regions of the electrode to receive tailored treatment, preventing defects in the non-coating portion while maintaining high loading amount in the coating portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing unit applies localized pressure specifically to the non-coating portion of the electrode substrate, rather than uniformly pressing the entire electrode. This local quality approach targets the specific region prone to swelling without affecting the coating portion, thereby reducing process defects while preserving the high loading amount achieved through increased electrode mixture layer content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Quantity of substance

If the loading amount of electrode mixture layer is increased to expand battery capacity, then energy density improves, but electrode volume increases requiring higher rolling pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading amount of electrode mixture layerVSAvoidelectrode volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The non-coating portion pressing unit performs preliminary compression on the edge regions before the electrode is fully wound and assembled. This preliminary action prevents swelling from occurring during subsequent handling and assembly processes, allowing the electrode to maintain its compact form with increased loading amount without requiring excessive overall volume reduction through aggressive rolling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of stationary object

If uniform pressing is applied across the entire electrode to reduce volume, then electrode density increases, but the non-coating portion swells due to excessive pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode volumeVSAvoidswelling at non-coating portion

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of applying pressure uniformly across the electrode or avoiding pressure on the non-coating portion, the invention inverts the approach by specifically targeting the non-coating portion with additional pressing after the general rolling process. This inverted strategy counteracts the natural tendency of the non-coating portion to swell under uniform pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Reduces swelling and process defects, enhances manufacturing efficiency, and increases the winding amount by effectively rolling the electrode substrate with high linear pressure.

Implementation Method 1

a non-coating portion pressing unit that presses the non-coating portion region of the electrode substrate to form a pattern

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a non-coating portion induction heating unit that inductively heats the non-coating portion region of the electrode substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12567575B2Electrode rolling apparatus including non-coating portion pressing unit and electrode rolling method using the same

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an electrode rolling apparatus including a non-coating portion pressing unit that rolls a non-coating portion of an electrode substrate and an electrode rolling method using the same, and can prevent a swell from occurring in the non-coating portion region during the process of rolling the electrode substrate and increase the efficiency of the manufacturing process.