Electrode Assembly Stacking With 180° Rotation for Symmetric Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing electrode assemblies face challenges in precisely aligning the electrodes and preventing bending, particularly in stacked structures, leading to defects.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a primary stack manufacturing step, secondary stack manufacturing step, stack rotating step, and electrode assembly manufacturing step, utilizing a gripper and measuring members to ensure symmetrical alignment and prevent bending, including a bonding step to secure the assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If electrode units are stacked separately in a conventional stacked structure, then the electrode assembly can be manufactured, but precise alignment is difficult and defects occur during bending

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoiddefect occurrence
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode assembly manufacturing process is divided into multiple sequential stacking operations (first stacking, second stacking, third stacking) rather than attempting to stack all units simultaneously. This segmentation allows for better control and alignment at each stage, reducing defects during bending while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Shape

If conventional stacking methods are used, then electrode assembly can be produced, but upper and lower portions cannot be made symmetrical

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesymmetryVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a symmetric stacking strategy where the third stacking operation mirrors the first stacking operation in reverse sequence. This inversion approach ensures that upper and lower portions of the electrode assembly are symmetrical, improving shape uniformity while maintaining alignment precision through controlled reversal of stacking steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple stacking operations are performed, then alignment and symmetry improve, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidstacking process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process uses periodic stacking actions with three distinct phases (first, second, and third stacking operations). This periodic structure allows the system to achieve high alignment precision and symmetry through repeated, controlled cycles of stacking and reversing operations, managing complexity through rhythm and repetition rather than continuous variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3951971B1Apparatus and method for manufacturing electrode assembly
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3951971B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3951971B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3951971B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the present invention comprises: a primary stack manufacturing step (S10) in which a first electrode and a second electrode are alternately stacked with a separator therebetween on a top surface of a table so that the first electrode is stacked to be disposed at each of the uppermost end and the lowermost end; a secondary stack manufacturing step (S20) in which the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately stacked with the separator therebetween on the primary stack so that the second electrode is stacked to be disposed at the lowermost end; a stack rotating step (S30) in which the primary stack and the secondary stack, which are disposed on the table, are rotated together at an angle of 180° to change positions of the primary stack and the secondary stack; and an electrode assembly manufacturing step (S40) in which the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately stacked with the separator therebetween on the primary stack so that the second electrode is stacked to be disposed at the lowermost end to manufacture a tertiary stack.