Electrode Slurry Density Feedback for Precise Coating Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing secondary battery electrodes lack an efficient way to control the amount of slurry applied onto the substrate, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that includes a storage unit, die coater, supply unit, slurry measuring unit, and controller to precisely control the flow rate and density of the slurry before application onto the substrate, using a slurry measuring unit to measure density and flow rate, and a controller to adjust the supply unit based on these measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If slurry is applied onto the substrate without flow rate control, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the amount of slurry applied cannot be precisely controlled leading to increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures the density of the slurry before application onto the substrate using a density measurement unit. Based on the measured density, the controller preliminarily determines the appropriate flow rate, ensuring precise control of the slurry application amount before the actual coating process begins
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the density measurement unit continuously monitors slurry density, and the controller adjusts the flow rate based on the measured density values. This closed-loop feedback ensures precise control of slurry application while maintaining process simplicity through automated adjustment
2Productivity
If slurry density is not measured, then the manufacturing process is faster, but the flow rate cannot be accurately controlled affecting production efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs density measurement continuously or periodically during the slurry supply process, rather than as a separate batch operation. This allows the measurement and flow rate control to occur concurrently with slurry application, minimizing idle time and maintaining continuous productive action
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or mechanical flow rate adjustment methods with an automated electronic control system. The controller uses electrical signals from the density measurement unit to automatically adjust the flow rate, eliminating time-consuming manual measurements and adjustments
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode of a secondary battery, includes: a storage unit configured to store a slurry; a die coater connected to the storage unit, and to discharge the slurry onto a substrate; a supply unit connected to the storage unit and the die coater, and to supply the slurry from the storage unit to the die coater; a slurry measuring unit to measure a density of the slurry supplied from the supply unit; and a controller to control the supply unit based on the density of the slurry transmitted from the slurry measuring unit.