Battery Electrode Strip Tensioning and Heating for Flat Electrode Pieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process of electrode materials for battery cells often introduces stresses in the substrate material and coating, leading to curling or 'banana effect' in individual electrode pieces, which complicates subsequent processing and reduces efficiency and quality.
Innovation Solution
Applying a tensile force greater than 0 N, particularly between 5 N and 60 N, combined with heating the electrode strip material to temperatures between 50°C and 110°C, primarily using infrared emitters, to reduce the curvature of electrode pieces during the singulation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If standard electrode manufacturing process is used, then production efficiency is maintained, but electrode pieces develop curvature due to stresses in substrate material and coating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a tensioning and heating process before the standard manufacturing steps. The electrode strip is subjected to controlled tensile force (5-60 N) and heating (50-110°C) in advance to relax internal stresses and prevent curvature formation during subsequent cutting and handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying physical conditions of the electrode strip through controlled heating (temperature parameter) and application of tensile force (mechanical parameter). These parameter changes alter the material's stress state and physical properties to eliminate the curvature problem without compromising production efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional processes are added to compensate for curvature, then electrode piece quality improves, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the curvature compensation function into the existing transport and processing system by integrating tensioning rollers and heating elements into the standard manufacturing line. This combination approach eliminates the need for separate curvature correction equipment and processes, maintaining simplicity while improving quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of internal stresses that cause curvature into a beneficial process by deliberately applying controlled stress through tensioning and heating. This transforms the stress-related problem into a solution mechanism that prevents curvature without adding complex corrective measures.
3Manufacturing precision
If higher tensile force is applied to reduce curvature, then electrode piece flatness improves, but risk of material damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using a moderate tensile force range (5-60 N) that is sufficient to relax internal stresses and prevent curvature but remains below the threshold that would cause material damage. This controlled partial application of force achieves the desired effect without excessive stress that could harm the electrode structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by controlling the tensile force within a specific range and combining it with heating to modify the material's physical state. The heating softens the material slightly, allowing lower tensile forces to achieve the same curvature prevention effect, thereby protecting material integrity while maintaining flatness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces electrode piece curvature by approximately 50-90%, improving the quality and handling of electrode pieces for subsequent processes.
Implementation Method 1
the electrode strip material is heated at least section by section to a heating temperature equal to or greater than 50°C and/or equal to or less than 110°C
Implementation Method 2
a tensile force greater than 0 N, in particular greater than about 5 N, further in particular greater than about 10 N, and further in particular greater than about 20 N, is applied to the electrode strip material to generate a predetermined or (pre-)defined web tension
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~6
Figure 4~7(b)
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrode manufacturing method (1) for producing electrode components (2), in particular cathodes, for battery cells, comprising the following steps: providing an electrode strip material (3) having a coated area (3.1) and an uncoated area (3.2) on at least one side of the coated area (3.1); conveying the electrode strip material (3) through a conveying section (4), whereby a tensile force greater than 0 N is applied to the electrode strip material (3) to generate a predetermined web tension; and the electrode strip material (3) is heated, at least section by section, to a heating temperature equal to or greater than 50°C and/or equal to or less than 110°C. The invention further relates to an electrode manufacturing device (5) for producing electrode components (2), in particular cathodes, for battery cells.