Battery Electrode Lamination Heating to Prevent Pause Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The lamination apparatus for secondary batteries faces issues where the heating member continues to heat the electrode assembly when stopped, causing deformation and defects, and restarting the process takes a long time to normalize the heating member's temperature, reducing efficiency and continuity.

Innovation Solution

A lamination apparatus with a moving member that separates the heating member from the electrode assembly when the transfer member is stopped and repositions it for reheating when restarted, using a support member with thermal conductivity to maintain heat capacity and prevent tilting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If power is interrupted to the heating part when the transfer part is stopped, then the electrode assembly is prevented from being heated and deformed, but it takes a long time to normalize the temperature of the heating part when restarted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of electrode assembly deformationVSAvoidtime to normalize heating part temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The heating part is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between contacting and separated states from the electrode assembly. This dynamic configuration enables the heating part to maintain its high temperature by being separated during stops while still allowing rapid heat transfer when needed by simply repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The heating part maintains its heated state in advance during stopped periods by being separated from the electrode assembly, so that when the transfer part restarts, the heating part is already at the required temperature and can immediately heat the electrode assembly without requiring a temperature normalization period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the heating part continuously heats the electrode assembly when stopped, then the heating efficiency is maintained, but the electrode assembly deforms and product defects occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidelectrode assembly shape accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The heating part transitions from a continuous heating mode to a controlled intermittent heating mode by being movable. It contacts the electrode assembly only during transfer operations when heating is needed, and separates during stopped periods to prevent deformation, thus maintaining both heating efficiency and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful continuous heating effect is extracted and eliminated by separating the heating part from the electrode assembly during stopped periods. The heating function is retained only during necessary operations, removing the harmful continuous heating that causes deformation while preserving the useful heating function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the heating part is moved away from the electrode assembly when stopped, then the electrode assembly is protected from overheating, but the operational continuity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from overheatingVSAvoidoperational continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable heating part enables rapid transition between heating and non-heating states, allowing the system to maintain operational continuity through quick repositioning rather than prolonged temperature normalization periods, thus protecting from overheating while preserving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The heating part maintains its heated state continuously by being separated during stops, ensuring that when the transfer part restarts, heating can resume immediately without interruption for temperature normalization, thus maintaining continuity of the useful heating action.

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

Prevents electrode assembly deformation and defects by separating the heating member during pauses, allows immediate reheating upon restart, and maintains heat capacity to enhance operational efficiency and continuity.

Implementation Method 1

a heating member disposed outside the support member to heat the electrode assembly supported by the support member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

using a support member with thermal conductivity to maintain heat capacity and prevent tilting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3557675B1Lamination apparatus and method for secondary battery
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3557675B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3557675B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3557675B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a lamination apparatus for a secondary battery, which thermally bonds an electrode assembly in which electrodes and separators are alternately laminated, the lamination apparatus comprising: a transfer member transferring the electrode assembly; a support member supporting each of top and bottom surfaces of the electrode assembly transferred by the transfer member; a heating member disposed outside the support member to heat the electrode assembly supported by the support member; and a moving member moving the heating member in a direction that is away from the electrode assembly.