Heating Roller Lamination for Gradual Electrode Assembly Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing secondary battery manufacturing processes face inefficiencies in heat transfer due to the use of radiant heating devices, which require large installation spaces and result in prolonged heating times, potentially deforming or damaging electrodes and separators.

Innovation Solution

A lamination device with a heating roller configuration that includes multiple heating rollers to directly press and heat the electrode assembly, allowing for gradual temperature increase without deformation or damage, featuring temperature sensors and adjustment mechanisms to maintain optimal heating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a heating device with a heating section is used to heat the electrode assembly, then the electrode assembly can be heated, but it takes a long time to heat and the installation space is significantly increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidheating time

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the radiant heating device (thermal radiation mechanism) with a heating roller that directly contacts the electrode assembly (mechanical contact heating). This substitution enables direct heat transfer through thermal conduction from the roller surface to the electrode assembly, significantly reducing heating time compared to indirect radiant heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating roller acts as an intermediary between the heat source and the electrode assembly. Instead of heating the electrode assembly directly through radiation, the roller serves as a medium that transfers heat through direct contact, enabling efficient and controlled heat transfer to the target object.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If a heating device with a heating section is used to heat the electrode assembly, then the electrode assembly can be heated, but the installation space is significantly increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the extended heating section structure with a compact heating roller mechanism. The roller can be positioned close to the electrode assembly, eliminating the need for a large heating section and significantly reducing the installation space required for the heating device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating function is transitioned from a horizontal extension (large heating section) to a vertical or compact arrangement using the roller. By changing the spatial dimension of the heating mechanism, the device achieves effective heating within a reduced footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Temperature

If radiant heat is used to heat the electrode assembly, then heating can be performed, but the heating efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidheating efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces radiant heating (electromagnetic radiation) with direct contact heating through the roller (mechanical thermal conduction). This substitution dramatically improves heating efficiency by eliminating the inefficiencies of radiant heat transfer, such as heat loss to surrounding air and uneven heating distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating roller maintains continuous contact with the electrode assembly during the heating process, ensuring uninterrupted heat transfer. This continuous mechanical contact ensures that heating action is sustained throughout the process, maximizing heating efficiency and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful 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

The solution enhances heat transfer efficiency, minimizes installation space, and prevents deformation of electrodes and separators, resulting in high-quality electrode assemblies.

Implementation Method 1

a heating roller part configured to heat the electrode assembly transferred by the transfer part... a plurality of heating rollers configured to press and heat a surface of the electrode assembly at the same time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12463303B2Lamination device and method and secondary battery manufacturing equipment comprising lamination device

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

Discussed is a lamination device for bonding an electrode and a separator of an electrode assembly to each other. The lamination device includes: a transfer part configured to transfer the electrode assembly; a heating roller part configured to heat the electrode assembly transferred by the transfer part; and a rolling roller configured to roll the electrode assembly heated by the heating roller part so that the electrode and the separator are bonded to each other, wherein the heating roller part comprises a plurality of heating rollers configured to press and heat a surface of the electrode assembly at the same time, and the plurality of heating rollers sequentially press the surface of the electrode assembly and simultaneously heat the surface of the electrode assembly so that the electrode assembly gradually increases in temperature.