Guide Roller Separator Folding in Electrode Assembly Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional zigzag stacking process for electrode assembly manufacturing is time-consuming and limits electrode capacity due to the need for separate inputting of outermost electrodes and multiple press processes.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing device and method that includes an electrode supply unit, a separator supply unit, and a guide roller to alternately stack electrodes and separators, reducing the need for separate outermost electrode stacking and minimizing press processes, allowing for increased electrode capacity and reduced manufacturing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional zigzag stacking process is used to manufacture electrode assembly, then electrodes and separators can be stacked alternately, but manufacturing time is increased and electrode capacity is limited due to separate inputting of outermost electrodes and multiple press processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stacking of outermost electrodes with the main stacking process by configuring the stacking device to automatically position and stack outermost electrodes during the normal alternating stacking operation, eliminating the need for separate inputting operations. This integration directly reduces manufacturing time and eliminates the loss of time associated with separate handling of outermost electrodes.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional zigzag stacking process is used, then electrodes can be stacked with separators, but the number of press processes must be performed twice (primary and secondary) increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the first press process during the stacking operation itself, before the assembly is complete. The stacking device is configured to press electrodes and separators as they are being stacked, so that when stacking is finished, only a final secondary press is needed. This preliminary pressing action during stacking reduces the total number of separate press processes required and simplifies the manufacturing workflow.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional zigzag stacking is used, then electrode assembly can be manufactured, but the size of outermost electrode must be designed small limiting battery capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the stacking device adjustable and adaptable to different electrode sizes. The device is configured with movable components and adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow outermost electrodes of various sizes to be automatically positioned and stacked without manual intervention. This dynamic capability eliminates the constraint that forced outermost electrodes to be small, enabling the use of larger electrodes that increase battery capacity while maintaining ease of operation through automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A manufacturing device for an electrode assembly includes an electrode supply unit that supplies an electrode, a separator supply unit that supplies a separator in first and second directions, and a guide roller that switches a direction in which the separator is supplied and presses the separator so that the separator and the electrode are adhered. One surface of the electrode supplied from the electrode supply unit is perpendicular to one surface of the separator supplied from the separator supply unit. The separator is bent by being pressed according to a movement of the electrode or a stacked body including the electrode. The bent separator covers one surface of the electrode.