Electrode String Cutting on Moving Supports for Battery Cell Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for mass production of battery cell electrodes lack adaptability, precision, and process reliability, particularly in the assembly of electrode arrangements for large-scale production of battery cells used in electromobility.

Innovation Solution

An electrode string supply device and method utilizing a cutting device with a continuous cutting curve, including side-edge and cut-edge cutting regions, controlled by a laser unit with deflection units, to singulate and position electrode pieces on a separator web, enabling precise and efficient cutting and fixing of electrodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electrode strings are manually assembled from separate electrode segments, then flexibility in design is improved, but manufacturing time and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Electrode strings are pre-assembled in a controlled environment with all necessary components (electrode segments, spacers, connections) prepared and arranged before being delivered to the construction site. This preliminary assembly action reduces on-site manufacturing time while maintaining design flexibility through standardized modular units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode string is divided into separate electrode segments that can be individually manufactured and then assembled into complete strings. This segmentation allows for flexible design configurations while enabling parallel manufacturing of multiple segments, improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrode strings are manufactured on-site from separate segments, then adaptability to specific project requirements is improved, but construction time and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproject-specific adaptabilityVSAvoidconstruction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Complete electrode strings are pre-assembled and prepared in advance at a manufacturing facility, then transported to the construction site as finished units. This eliminates on-site assembly time while maintaining adaptability through customized manufacturing options for different project requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Electrode segments are nested or stacked in an organized manner during storage and transport, allowing multiple segments to be compactly arranged. This nesting approach facilitates efficient site delivery and rapid deployment while maintaining the ability to configure different numbers and types of segments for specific project needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If separate electrode segments are used with connection elements, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but the number of components and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing flexibilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple electrode segments are permanently connected using welding or bonding processes to form complete electrode strings as single integrated units. This merging reduces assembly complexity at the construction site while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through the ability to produce different string configurations during fabrication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Standardized connection methods and assembly procedures are developed and replicated for different electrode string configurations. This copying approach maintains manufacturing flexibility for various designs while reducing assembly complexity through proven, repeatable processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3948981B1Apparatus and method for providing electrode strings and for producing electrode arrangements

Publication Date: 2026.05.06 GROB WERKE & K G

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AI summary

The invention relates to apparatuses (24.1, 24.2, 10) and methods for use in the mass production of cell composites (36) for batteries comprising electrodes (14.1, 14.2) and separator layers (20). In order to improve process reliability and speed, it is proposed, when providing electrode strings (26.1, 26.2) consisting of a separator web (28.1, 28.2) and electrodes fixed thereon, to separate the electrodes (14.1, 14.2) from a web-type electrode substrate (40) on a moving support (48) of a conveyor device (46) such that at least two edges (122.2, 123) of the electrodes (14.1, 14.2) are cut in a cutting process and/or that support segments (86) of the support (48) which can be moved relative to one another are brought closer together for cutting and are spaced apart more from one another for fixing the now-separated electrodes (30.1, 30.2).