Infrared Electrode Drying Layout for Uniform High-Speed Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrode manufacturing processes for lithium secondary batteries face issues with uneven drying and coating due to increased traveling speeds, leading to partial or excessive drying of the active material, which affects the quality and consistency of the electrodes.

Innovation Solution

An electrode manufacturing system that includes a drying portion with linear infrared lamps aligned vertically with the edges of the coating material and rotatable along a perpendicular axis, combined with hot air supply, to ensure even drying and uniform coating, even at higher speeds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the traveling speed of the electrode is increased to improve productivity, then the production efficiency is improved, but the drying uniformity deteriorates causing partial or excessive drying

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraveling speedVSAvoiddrying uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The infrared heating system is divided into multiple independent linear infrared lamps arranged in segments across the width of the coating material. Each lamp can be independently controlled and positioned to target specific zones, allowing differential heating control across different regions of the moving electrode to maintain uniform drying at high speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the coating material receive customized infrared heating based on their specific drying requirements. The system applies localized heating control where edge regions may receive different irradiation intensity compared to center regions, ensuring uniform drying across the entire width even during high-speed travel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Power

If the infrared lamp is positioned closer to the coating material to improve drying efficiency, then the drying speed is improved, but the risk of overheating and excessive drying increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoiddrying uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The infrared lamps are mounted on rotatable supports that allow dynamic adjustment of the irradiation angle and distance. This enables the system to optimize the heating intensity by changing the angular position, preventing excessive drying while maintaining high drying efficiency through controlled dynamic positioning rather than fixed static placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system controls the drying process by adjusting parameters such as the irradiation angle, distance from the coating material, and intensity of infrared lamps. By dynamically changing these parameters, the system achieves optimal drying efficiency without causing overheating or excessive drying of the coating material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a conventional drying method is used to simplify the device structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the drying uniformity deteriorates at high traveling speeds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying device structureVSAvoiddrying uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical drying mechanisms with infrared radiation heating. Linear infrared lamps emit infrared energy that directly heats the coating material without requiring complex mechanical contact or movement systems, achieving uniform drying at high speeds while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The infrared heating system utilizes thermal radiation to induce phase transition in the solvent of the coating material, accelerating evaporation and drying. This phase change approach enables efficient and uniform drying at high traveling speeds without requiring complex mechanical drying equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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 system achieves even dryness and uniform coating, enhancing product yield and quality by maintaining consistent thickness and preventing cracks or under/over-drying, regardless of the coating substrate's speed.

Implementation Method 1

a drying portion drying the coating material, and comprising at least one linear infrared lamp irradiating the coating material with infrared light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP4589233B1Electrode manufacturing system and method for manufacturing an electrode
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 SK INNOVATION CO LTD
  • EP4589233B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4589233B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4589233B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electrode manufacturing system is disclosed. In some implementations, the electrode manufacturing system may include a coating portion configured to coat a coating material on a coating substrate traveling along a path, and a drying portion configured to dry the coating material. The drying portion may include at least one linear infrared lamp configured to irradiate the coating material with infrared light, and opposite ends of the infrared lamp may be disposed to be vertically aligned with opposite edges of the coating material.