Maglev Electrode Stacking Clamp Control for Inclined Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode stacking apparatuses face challenges in suitably operating the clamp of the stacked-electrode holder when the sheet-type electrodes are inclined with respect to the vertical axis.
Innovation Solution
The proposed electrode stacking apparatus includes a stator, a movable unit for stacking work, a movable unit for operation work, and a control unit. The stator has a horizontally installed main surface with coils, while the movable units are levitated by magnetic levitation, allowing for precise control of the electrode holding unit and operation unit through a driving mechanism and cam system, respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sheet-type electrodes are held at an inclined orientation, then the stacking process can accommodate varied electrode positions, but the clamp operation of the stacked-electrode holder cannot function suitably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the movable unit independently controllable through separate movers (first mover for stacking work, second mover for operation work). Each mover can be controlled separately by the control unit to adjust positions and orientations dynamically, allowing the electrode holding unit to accommodate inclined electrodes while the operation unit can still perform clamp operations at appropriate positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the stacking apparatus into distinct functional units: a first mover for stacking work that holds electrodes, a second mover for operation work that performs clamping, and a control unit that coordinates them. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function independently, resolving the conflict between holding inclined electrodes and operating the clamp.
2Device complexity
If a single mover is used for both stacking and operation work, then the device structure is simplified, but the precision of controlling both stacking and clamp operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single mover into two separate movers: a first mover dedicated to stacking work and a second mover dedicated to operation work. This segmentation allows each mover to be optimized for its specific function, improving the precision of both stacking and clamp operations while maintaining reasonable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Both movers share the common function of moving above the stator by magnetic levitation and are coordinated by a single control unit that adjusts current to both movers. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to maintain simplicity while achieving precise control through specialized sub-units.
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
This configuration enables efficient and precise stacking of sheet-type electrodes, even when they are inclined, by adjusting the position and inclination of the movable units based on image data from a camera, thereby reducing misalignment and optimizing the stacking process.
Implementation Method 1
The first mover is movable above the main surface by magnetic levitation
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode stacking apparatus includes a stator with a horizontally installed main surface and multiple coils arranged under the main surface. A movable unit for stacking work includes a first mover that is movable above the main surface by magnetic levitation, an electrode holding unit, and a driving mechanism. The electrode holding unit is configured to press, from above, the base on top of the first mover and the sheet-type electrodes fed on the base's top surface. The driving mechanism drives the electrode holding unit by an external force acting thereon. The movable unit for operation work includes a second mover which can move above the main surface and an operation unit which operates the driving mechanism. A control unit is configured to control movements of the movable unit for stacking work and the movable unit for operation work by adjusting an amount of current flowed through the coils.