Electrode Sheet Laser Drying Layout for Compact Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode sheet manufacturing apparatuses face an increase in cost due to their enlarged size, which is necessary to secure a focal distance for laser irradiation, leading to higher equipment and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
The manufacturing apparatus is designed with a laser irradiation device positioned on the opposite side of the coated sheet to the transport direction, allowing for efficient drying without increasing the device's size by using a transport device to support the coated sheet from the opposite surface, thereby optimizing space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the laser irradiation device is positioned at a distance to secure focal distance for large-area electrode sheet manufacturing, then the laser irradiation area is sufficient, but the apparatus size increases leading to higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the laser irradiation device above the coated sheet (conventional approach), the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning the laser head below the sheet, irradiating from the opposite side. This allows the laser to focus on the coated surface while the apparatus maintains a compact footprint, resolving the contradiction between irradiation area and apparatus size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of laser irradiation from top-down (vertical direction) to bottom-up (opposite direction through the sheet). By supporting the coated sheet from above and irradiating from below, the system achieves effective laser focus on large areas without requiring proportional increases in apparatus vertical space
2Volume of stationary object
If the laser irradiation device is positioned close to the coated sheet, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the focal distance is insufficient for large-area irradiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional laser positioning by placing the laser head on the opposite side of the coated sheet rather than above it. This inversion allows the laser to be positioned close to the sheet (reducing apparatus size) while still achieving adequate focal distance for large-area irradiation through the sheet thickness
3Reliability
If the coated sheet is transported with the coated part facing upward, then the coating is protected during transport, but the laser irradiation requires larger apparatus space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the transport and irradiation arrangement by supporting the coated sheet from the uncoated side and irradiating from below. This allows the coated surface to remain protected during transport while the laser irradiates effectively from the opposite side, maintaining both coating protection and compact apparatus dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The uncoated surface acts as an intermediary medium, allowing the laser to pass through and reach the coated surface for irradiation. This intermediary approach enables the laser to irradiate the coated part effectively while the coated surface remains protected during transport, without requiring large apparatus space
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 configuration effectively reduces the apparatus size, thereby controlling costs associated with equipment investment and operation, while maintaining efficient drying of the coated parts.
Implementation Method 1
a laser irradiation device configured to dry the coated part by irradiating the coated sheet transported by the transport device with a laser
Implementation Method 2
drying the coated part to obtain an electrode layer
Data Source
AI summary
A manufacturing apparatus of an electrode sheet includes a transport device configured to transport a coated sheet in a state where a first surface of the coated sheet on a coated part side of a coated sheet having a coated part to which an electrode material is applied on a first surface of a current collector sheet is supported on a second surface of the coated sheet opposite to the first surface, and a laser irradiation device configured to dry the coated part by irradiating the coated sheet transported by the transport device with a laser L, in which the laser irradiation device is disposed on a second surface side of the coated sheet transported by the transport device and includes a laser head configured to irradiate the laser L toward the second surface of the coated sheet.