Laminate Structure Generator for Secondary Cell Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex stacking process for secondary cells, involving cathodes, anodes, and separators, results in high manufacturing costs and difficulty in maintaining the stacking apparatus, necessitating a solution to reduce manufacturing time and simplify the process.
Innovation Solution
A laminate structure generator with a first hand and a second hand, each comprising fingers that move in a direction to separate and maintain parallel arrangement, facilitating the folding of a film into a Z-shape and the insertion of electrode plates between the folded parts, supported by a support plate and compressed by a pressing plate, to simplify the stacking process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional stacking apparatus is used to sequentially stack cathodes, anodes, and separators, then the secondary cell can be manufactured, but the apparatus configuration becomes very complicated and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stacking apparatus into multiple independent modules: a film folding unit with first and second hands that can be separately adjusted, a support plate unit, and a pressing plate unit. Each module performs a specific function (folding, supporting, pressing) and can be independently maintained or replaced, significantly reducing the complexity of overall apparatus maintenance while achieving the sequential stacking of electrodes and separators
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second hands of the film folding unit are designed with universal functionality to handle different types of films and electrode assemblies. The hands can be adjusted to accommodate various sizes and configurations, allowing a single apparatus design to manufacture different secondary cell types without requiring complex specialized components for each variant
2Productivity
If a conventional stacking process is used to sequentially stack cathodes, anodes, and separators, then the secondary cell can be manufactured, but the manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The film is pre-folded into a Z-shape by the first and second hands before the electrode plates and separators are inserted. This preliminary folding action creates predetermined insertion paths and positioning points, allowing subsequent components to be quickly placed in their correct positions without complex real-time alignment procedures, thereby reducing overall manufacturing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated units: the film folding unit simultaneously performs folding and positioning, the support plate provides both support and alignment, and the pressing plate combines pressing and sealing functions. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate operations and apparatus components needed, streamlining the manufacturing process and reducing time
Data Source
AI summary
A stacking apparatus for a secondary cell includes a guide roller guiding a film, and a laminate structure generator disposed parallel to the film vertically descended by the guide roller, the laminate structure generator includes a first hand including a first palm and a first finger extending from the first palm, the first finger being disposed parallel to the film to face one side of the film, and a second hand including a second palm and a second finger extending from the second palm to cross the first finger, the second finger being disposed parallel to the film to face the other side of the film, at least one of the first hand and the second hand being moved in a direction of separating from the other.