Laser Separator Cutting Layout for Wide Electrode Stacks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for cutting separators in electrode stacks are inefficient and imprecise, particularly when dealing with wide separators at high speeds, and require significant installation space.

Innovation Solution

A separator cutting device utilizing a laser generator, scanner, and end mirror to precisely and quickly cut separators, with a reduced installation footprint, using a CO2 laser and a 3D laser scanner system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If mechanical cutting using a knife is used to cut separators, then the structure is simple, but the cutting speed is slow and precision is poor for wide separators moving at high speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting speedVSAvoidcutting device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical knife cutting system with a laser cutting system. The laser beam is directed onto the separator through optical components (scanner, mirrors, condensing lens) to achieve cutting without mechanical contact. This substitution enables high-speed cutting of wide separators while maintaining precision, as the laser can rapidly traverse the separator width without the inertia and wear limitations of mechanical knives.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If a traditional laser cutting system is used, then cutting precision is high, but the installation space required is large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a scanner system with rotating mirrors that deflect the laser beam across the separator in both horizontal and vertical directions. This scanning mechanism allows the laser to cover a large processing area while the physical footprint of the cutting device remains compact. The optical path is folded using mirrors to fit within a smaller spatial envelope, reducing installation space while maintaining the ability to precisely cut wide separators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If laser beam is used for cutting, then cutting speed and precision are improved, but the optical path length increases requiring more space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting speedVSAvoidoptical path length
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the end mirror at a side of the scanner, creating a compact optical arrangement where components are nested or closely integrated. The scanner mirrors and condensing lens are arranged in a compact configuration that minimizes the overall optical path length. This nested arrangement allows the laser beam to traverse the necessary optical components and reach the separator with minimal path length, reducing the space required while maintaining high cutting speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 device enables precise and rapid cutting of wide separators with minimal mechanical wear and reduced space requirements, improving the efficiency of electrode cell manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

a laser generator (110) configured to emit laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a separator cutting device utilizing a laser generator, scanner, and end mirror to precisely and quickly cut separators

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 3

an end mirror (135) configured to reflect the laser beam passing through the scanner toward the separator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4290629B1Separator cutting device, and electrode cell manufacturing system comprising same
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4290629B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4290629B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4290629B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A separator cutting device according to an embodiment of the present invention may cut a sheet-shaped separator laminated with at least one electrode. The separator cutting device may include a laser generator configured to emit laser beam; a scanner configured to control an optical path of the laser beam emitted from the laser generator; and an end mirror configured to reflect the laser beam passing through the scanner toward the separator and disposed at a side of the scanner.