Low-Expansion Roll and Die Coating for Uniform Film Thickness

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional coating devices face challenges in achieving uniform film thickness due to deformation of the roll and coating die caused by heat transfer from the coating material, leading to non-uniform coating quality.

Innovation Solution

The use of a roll and coating die formed of low expansion materials with a linear expansion coefficient of 6.0 x 10 -6< [1/K] or less, and a coating device that includes a coating device that employs a low expansion material with a linear expansion coefficient of 6.0 x 10 -6< [1/K] or less, which minimizes deformation caused by temperature changes, ensuring uniform film thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional materials are used for the roll and coating die, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but thermal expansion causes deformation leading to non-uniform film thickness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm thickness uniformityVSAvoidmaterial selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by selecting materials with specific thermal expansion coefficients (6.0 x 10^-6 [1/K] or less) for the roll and coating die. This material parameter selection minimizes thermal expansion and contraction under temperature changes, preventing deformation and maintaining uniform film thickness during the coating process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent directly addresses thermal expansion by choosing low thermal expansion coefficient materials for the roll and coating die. This ensures that even when temperature changes occur during coating material application, the dimensional stability of these components is maintained, preventing the deformation that would otherwise cause non-uniform coating

Inventive Principle:
Principle #37Thermal expansion

2Manufacturing precision

If low expansion materials are used for the roll and coating die, then film thickness uniformity is improved, but material selection and manufacturing become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating quality uniformityVSAvoidmaterial procurement difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a quantitative parameter threshold (thermal expansion coefficient of 6.0 x 10^-6 [1/K] or less) for material selection. This clear parameter specification guides material procurement and manufacturing, balancing the need for precision with practical manufacturability by providing a concrete target rather than an open-ended requirement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution effectively maintains a uniform film thickness by reducing thermal expansion, resulting in improved coating quality and uniformity, particularly in the production of electrode plates for secondary batteries.

Implementation Method 1

a roll and a coating die, both of which are formed of a low expansion material with a linear expansion coefficient of 6.0 x 10 -6< [1/K] or less

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP4112186B1Coating apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP4112186B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4112186B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4112186B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This coating apparatus is provided with: a roll, onto which a coating material is applied or which is for conveying an item to be coated; and a coating machine for applying a coating material onto an item to be coated or onto the roll. At least a section of the roll that comes into contact with an item to be coated or a section of the roll on which a coating material is applied is constituted of a low-expansion material having a linear expansion coefficient of 0 to 6.0 × 10-6 [1/K].