Electrode Stack Table Rotation for Faster Assembly Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manufacturing process for electrode assemblies is complex and time-consuming, requiring sophisticated equipment, which hinders efficient production and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and method utilizing a stack table with repetitive up-and-down movement, an electrode supply portion, and a swing portion with rotating trays to simplify the stacking process, allowing for efficient alignment and placement of cathode and anode units without additional power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If individual components are stacked in the order of anode-separator-cathode-separator-anode, then the electrode assembly is formed, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrode units (cathode and anode) with separators into a single integrated assembly unit that is stacked as one component. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate stacking operations for each individual component, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and increasing production speed without requiring complex multi-step assembly equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking apparatus is designed to handle multiple types of electrode units (different configurations of cathode, anode, and separator) using a universal stacking mechanism. The apparatus can accommodate various electrode unit designs through a single standardized stacking process, reducing the need for specialized equipment for each component type and simplifying the overall manufacturing system
2Ease of manufacture
If sophisticated manufacturing equipment is used to stack individual components, then the electrode assembly can be manufactured, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple electrode units into a single integrated assembly that is stacked as one unit, the patent eliminates the need for sophisticated equipment required for precise separate stacking of thin components. The merged assembly approach uses simpler, more cost-effective stacking machinery while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode units are designed with self-aligning features and standardized configurations that allow them to be stacked automatically without requiring complex positioning systems or sophisticated control mechanisms. The units essentially service their own alignment and placement requirements, reducing the need for expensive advanced equipment
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an Example of the present invention may comprise: a stack table performing repetitive up-and-down movement; an electrode supply portion supplying an electrode unit comprising a cathode or an anode to the stack table; and a swing portion rotating according to contact with the stack table, wherein the stack table comprises: a support that supports the electrode unit and that does not contact with the swing portion while the stack table is raised or lowered; and a rotating tray coupled to the support and rotating by contacting with the swing portion while the stack table is lowered.