Electrode Sheet Cutting Using Notching Groove Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting apparatuses for electrode sheets face accuracy issues due to deformation of electrode tabs, leading to irregular cuts and defective electrodes, as they rely on detecting electrode tabs rather than precise notching grooves for cutting.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a transfer unit, detection unit, and cutting unit that utilizes notching grooves formed on the electrode sheet's side surface, where a line sensor detects the grooves through transmittance variations to generate a detection signal, ensuring accurate cutting by synchronizing the cutting process with the groove detection, thereby maintaining consistent cutting time and preventing defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If electrode tab detection is used for cutting, then the cutting apparatus can operate with simple structure, but cutting accuracy deteriorates when electrode tab is deformed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting apparatus structureVSAvoidcutting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces notching grooves as an intermediary feature on the electrode sheet that serves as a reliable detection target. These grooves are formed during electrode manufacturing and provide a consistent geometric reference that is independent of electrode tab deformation, thereby mediating between the simple detection approach and high cutting accuracy requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/optical detection of electrode tabs with optical detection of notching grooves using a line sensor. This substitution utilizes the geometric precision of laser-formed grooves rather than relying on the physical integrity of electrode tabs, achieving higher measurement precision while maintaining automated operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If electrode tab detection is used for cutting, then the cutting process can be simplified, but cutting precision deteriorates due to deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting process simplicityVSAvoidcutting precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The notching grooves serve as an intermediary detection target that simplifies the cutting process by providing a reliable, deformation-free reference feature. The grooves are easily detectable by the line sensor and eliminate the complexity of handling deformed electrode tabs, thereby improving ease of operation without sacrificing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If notching groove detection is used for cutting, then cutting accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting accuracyVSAvoidcutting apparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a line sensor (optical detection device) to detect notching grooves, replacing more complex mechanical measurement systems. This optical detection approach achieves high cutting accuracy while maintaining relatively simple device structure, as the line sensor can precisely track the groove positions without requiring complex mechanical positioning or contact measurement systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Manufacturing precision

If notching groove detection is used for cutting, then cutting precision is improved, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The notching grooves act as an intermediary that simplifies operation by providing clear, unambiguous detection signals. The grooves' geometric consistency ensures reliable detection by the line sensor, eliminating the operational complexities associated with identifying and accommodating deformed electrode tabs during the cutting process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 accuracy and prevents defective electrodes by uniformly controlling the cutting time based on notching groove detection, ensuring consistent quality of manufactured electrodes.

Implementation Method 1

the line sensor comprises a plurality of light receiving elements, and the plurality of light receiving elements detects the notching groove through a variation in transmittance, which occurs when the notching groove of the electrode sheet passes through the measuring point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTransmittance variation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3633767B1Electrode sheet cutting device and cutting method
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3633767B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3633767B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3633767B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus for cutting an electrode sheet according to the present invention comprises: a transfer unit transferring the electrode sheet, in which a plurality of notching grooves are formed in a side surface thereof, up to a cutting point via a measuring point, so that, when the notching groove, which is disposed at a front end, of the notching grooves formed in the electrode sheet passes through the cutting point, the notching groove, which is disposed in a rear end of the front notching groove, passes through the measuring point; a detection unit provided at the measuring point to detect the notching groove of the electrode sheet, which passes through the measuring point, thereby generating a notching groove detection signal; and a cutting unit provided at the cutting point to cut the electrode sheet, in which the notching groove passing through the cutting point is disposed, according to the notching groove detection signal generated by the detection unit.