Laser-Cut Battery Electrodes With Foreign Matter Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

The generation of foreign matter during the laser cutting process in electrode production leads to defects in the coated portion of the electrode, which affects the quality of secondary batteries.

Innovation Solution

An electrode production device equipped with a transfer member, laser member, jig member, and foreign matter blocking member to prevent foreign matter from flowing into the coated portion of the electrode foil, utilizing a foreign matter blocking member positioned near the boundary of coated and uncoated areas and a suction member to discharge foreign matter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If laser cutting is used to cut the electrode foil, then cutting efficiency and precision are improved, but foreign matter (fume) is generated that flows into the coated portion causing defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting efficiencyVSAvoidforeign matter contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A blocking member is introduced as an intermediary element between the laser cutting zone and the coated portion of the electrode foil. This blocking member physically intercepts and prevents foreign matter generated during laser cutting from flowing into the coated portion, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high cutting efficiency and preventing contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful foreign matter is extracted or removed from the system by using the blocking member to separate it from the coated portion. The blocking member creates a barrier that extracts the contamination pathway, allowing the laser cutting process to continue efficiently while the coated portion remains protected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If a blocking member is added to prevent foreign matter, then electrode quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode qualityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member is designed as a thin, flexible barrier that can be easily integrated into the existing laser cutting apparatus. This thin-film approach provides effective foreign matter blocking while minimizing the increase in device complexity and maintaining a compact structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member can be designed as a simple, easily replaceable component that does not require complex mechanisms. By using a straightforward blocking structure that can be quickly changed or replaced, the system achieves high electrode quality without significant increases in device complexity or maintenance burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 foreign matter from entering the coated portion, thereby improving electrode quality and reducing defects, enhancing the performance of battery cells and packs.

Implementation Method 1

a laser member that irradiates a laser toward the electrode foil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a suction member to discharge foreign matter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4645405A1Electrode production apparatus and battery cells comprising electrodes produced thereby, and battery pack and vehicle comprising battery cells
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4645405A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4645405A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4645405A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed are an electrode production device and a battery cell including an electrode produced using the same, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell. An electrode production device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a transfer member that transfers an electrode foil coated with an electrode active material; a laser member that irradiates a laser toward the electrode foil; a jig member that is disposed in contact with the electrode foil to support the electrode foil; and a foreign matter blocking member that blocks foreign matter generated when irradiating the laser from flowing into a preset portion of the electrode foil.