Electrode Assembly Support Structure for Separator Sag Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
During secondary battery manufacturing, the sagging of separators due to gravity can cause defects by exposing positive or negative electrode plates externally, leading to manufacturing issues.
Innovation Solution
A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus with a support member and sensor unit is implemented to prevent separator sagging and folding, utilizing a stack table and transfer unit with a support member to elevate and stabilize the electrode assembly, and a sensor unit to detect folding using image information and color comparison.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the electrode assembly is transferred by the transfer unit during manufacturing, then the manufacturing process can be continuously performed, but the separator sags downwardly due to gravity causing defects
Solution Approach 1:
The support member acts as an intermediary element between the stack table and the electrode assembly. It provides additional support points along the transfer path, preventing the separator from sagging while allowing continuous manufacturing operations to proceed without interruption
2Manufacturing precision
If the support member is added to support the electrode assembly, then separator sagging is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented into multiple discrete support members positioned at specific intervals along the transfer path. Each support member provides localized support where needed, rather than requiring a continuous complex support structure throughout the entire apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing full support across the entire electrode assembly, support members are strategically placed only at critical locations where separator sagging is most likely to occur, providing partial support that is sufficient to prevent defects without adding unnecessary complexity
3Ease of operation
If the stack table is designed with table avoidance portion, then interference with support member is avoided, but the stack table structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The table avoidance portion is designed as a separate, extracted feature from the main stack table structure. This allows the support member to move freely in its operational path without requiring major redesign of the entire stack table, minimizing the increase in overall structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus includes a stack table supporting a first surface of an electrode assembly including at least one positive electrode plate, at least one negative electrode plate, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate and a transfer unit transferring the electrode assembly while moving relative to the stack table and including a pulling jig supporting the first surface of the electrode assembly or a second surface facing the first surface, wherein the transfer unit further includes a support member provided to support a portion of the first surface of the electrode assembly that is not supported by the pulling jig.