Electrode Layer Voltage Mapping for Non-Destructive Dispersibility Checks

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a nondestructive method to determine the dispersibility of electrode material layers in lithium rechargeable batteries, as poor dispersibility affects the performance and lifespan of the batteries, but existing methods do not address this effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method involving measuring voltage differences between random points on the electrode material layer in different current directions, calculating the standard deviation of these differences, and using the results to assess the dispersibility, with a smaller standard deviation indicating better dispersibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional destructive testing methods are used to check electrode dispersibility, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the electrode is damaged and cannot be used for actual battery applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispersibility measurement accuracyVSAvoidelectrode usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces destructive mechanical testing methods with non-destructive electrical measurement methods. By measuring voltage differences between random points on the electrode surface, the system can assess dispersibility without physically damaging the electrode structure, thus maintaining both measurement accuracy and electrode usability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces voltage measurement as an intermediary parameter to indirectly assess dispersibility. Instead of directly observing material distribution, the system uses voltage differences caused by conductive material distribution as a proxy indicator, enabling non-destructive evaluation of dispersibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If no dispersibility checking method is implemented, then production efficiency is maintained, but battery performance and lifespan are compromised due to undetected defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidbattery performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the electrode material layer to self-reveal its dispersibility characteristics through inherent electrical properties. By measuring voltage differences across the electrode surface, the system uses the electrode's own electrical characteristics to assess quality without requiring external destructive testing, thus maintaining production efficiency while ensuring battery performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where voltage measurement results provide immediate information about dispersibility quality. This allows for real-time quality assessment during production, enabling prompt identification and correction of dispersibility issues without halting the production line, thus maintaining productivity while ensuring reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If multiple random points are measured to improve dispersibility assessment accuracy, then measurement precision increases, but the complexity of the testing procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispersibility assessment accuracyVSAvoidtesting procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrode surface into multiple measurement points to capture spatial variations in dispersibility. By systematically measuring voltage differences at multiple random locations and calculating statistical parameters, the system achieves comprehensive assessment of overall dispersibility while maintaining a relatively simple measurement process at each point

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Measurement precision

If voltage measurements are taken in different current directions to assess dispersibility, then measurement precision improves, but the time required for testing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispersibility measurement accuracyVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic measurement cycles where voltage differences are measured in alternating current directions at multiple points. By systematically rotating measurement directions and calculating statistical parameters from the collected data, the system achieves accurate dispersibility assessment while managing testing time through efficient periodic data collection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

This method allows for the accurate prediction of electrode material layer dispersibility, improving battery performance and reducing customer complaints by identifying defects nondestructively.

Implementation Method 1

measuring voltages between the two points (1-1') in different current directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3751263B1Method for determining dispersibility of electrode material layer
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3751263B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3751263B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3751263B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a method for determining dispersibility, of an electrode material layer of an electrode for a lithium rechargeable battery, wherein, regarding the electrode, an electrode material layer including an active material, a conductive material, and a binder is formed on at least one side of an electrode current collector, the determining of dispersibility of an electrode material layer includes (a) selecting two random points (1-1') of an electrode material layer, (b) finding a difference Δ1 of an absolute value of two voltage values by measuring voltages between the two points (1-1') in different current directions, (c) selecting two other random points (2-2' to n-n', where n is an integer that is equal to or greater than 2) that are different from two points selected in the process (a) and, and repeating the processes (a) and (b) at least once to find Δ2 to Δn, (d) finding a mean value of differences Δ1 to Δn of the absolute values obtained by repeating the process (b) and the process (c), and (e) finding a standard deviation of Δ1 to Δn from the mean value, and dispersibility of the electrode material layer is determined to be high as the standard deviation value of the process (e) becomes smaller.