Electrode Assembly Traceability Using Cut Count and Pattern IDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery manufacturing processes face challenges in ensuring traceability and data matching during the electrode process, leading to inefficiencies and quality control issues due to the inability to track electrode assemblies effectively between processes.
Innovation Solution
A battery manufacturing system and method that includes cutters to form electrode portions based on patterned electrodes, a winder to assemble these portions with separators, and an identification information assigning device to associate identification information with the assembly based on cut counts and pattern indications, along with process controllers and monitoring servers to manage and track the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If patterned electrodes are used in battery manufacturing, then productivity is improved through efficient electrode production, but traceability and data matching become difficult due to inability to track electrode assemblies effectively between processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by assigning identification information to electrode sheets and electrode portions before the winding process. The identification information assigning device generates ID tags for electrode sheets prior to cutting and winding, and assigns identification information to electrode portions based on cut count values and pattern indications. This preliminary assignment ensures traceability is established before the electrode assembly undergoes complex manufacturing processes, allowing effective tracking throughout production while maintaining high productivity with patterned electrodes.
2Reliability
If identification information is assigned based on cut count values and pattern indications, then traceability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional monitoring and assignment equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the identification information assigning device to perform multiple functions: it counts cut values, detects pattern indications, generates identification information, and assigns it to electrode portions. The process controller also serves multiple roles including coordinating cutters, monitoring pattern indications, and managing the identification information assignment process. This multi-functional approach improves traceability accuracy while minimizing the increase in device complexity by consolidating functions into existing manufacturing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the identification information assigning device continuously monitors cut count values and pattern indications from the electrode sheets, and uses this feedback to dynamically assign appropriate identification information to electrode portions. The system receives feedback about the manufacturing process state and adjusts identification assignment accordingly, ensuring accurate traceability while using information already available in the manufacturing process to avoid adding excessive complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If electrode sheets are cut into multiple portions with pattern indications, then manufacturing precision is improved for electrode assembly, but difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to need to track multiple parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing identification information as a mediator between the physical electrode portions and the tracking system. Instead of directly tracking complex parameters like cut count values and pattern indications, the system uses simplified identification information (ID tags) that represent these parameters. This intermediary representation makes detection and measurement easier while maintaining manufacturing precision, as the identification information serves as a manageable proxy for the underlying complex parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for manufacturing a battery are disclosed. One system may include: a first cutter configured to cut a first electrode sheet into a first electrode portion having a first length, the first electrode sheet comprising a first coated portion; a second cutter configured to cut a second electrode sheet into a second electrode portion having a second length, the second electrode sheet comprising a second coated portion; a winder configured to wind the first electrode portion, the second electrode portion, and a separator to form an electrode assembly; and an identification information assigning device configured to assign identification information to the electrode assembly based on: a cut count value of the first electrode sheet and/or a cut count value of the second electrode sheet; and/or a first pattern indication of the first electrode sheet and/or a second pattern indication of the second electrode sheet.