Magnetic Graphite Orientation in Battery Anodes for Fast Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery technologies face challenges in maintaining the adhesion between the negative electrode current collector and the mixture layer due to the contraction and expansion of graphite during charging and discharging, leading to separation issues and reduced battery performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using magnet plates with vertically and horizontally arranged unit magnets to apply a magnetic field perpendicular to the negative electrode current collector, ensuring the vertical orientation of the negative electrode active material and minimizing separation by controlling the magnetic force and direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the degree of orientation of the negative electrode is improved to enhance battery performance, then the curl of the battery becomes severe and adhesion between the negative electrode current collector and mixture layer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic magnetic field that changes in the Y-axis direction while maintaining constant force in the X-axis direction. This dynamic field configuration enables vertical orientation of graphite particles without causing excessive curl, resolving the contradiction between orientation improvement and adhesion maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters by arranging unit magnets with different orientations (vertical and horizontal) to create a controlled magnetic field distribution. This parameter change achieves sufficient vertical orientation while controlling the degree of curl to prevent separation
2Speed
If graphite is oriented vertically to reduce resistance and improve charging performance, then the contraction and expansion during charging and discharging causes separation between layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local variations in magnetic field strength by arranging unit magnets in a specific pattern where the magnetic force changes in the Y-axis direction. This local quality variation enables vertical orientation in critical areas while maintaining structural flexibility to accommodate expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic magnetic field configuration with constant force in X-axis and changing force in Y-axis provides controlled orientation that accommodates the dynamic expansion and contraction of graphite during charging cycles, preventing separation while maintaining vertical orientation for fast charging
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 enhances the orientation of the negative electrode active material, improving battery performance by reducing resistance and preventing peeling during high-rate charging, thereby increasing charging and discharging efficiency and extending battery life.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic field application operation of driving the negative electrode current collector coated with the negative electrode mixture, between the upper magnet plate and the lower magnet plate under application of a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The upper magnet plate and the lower magnet plate have constant magnetic force in the X-axis direction and a magnetic force changing in the Y-axis direction
Data Source
AI summary
A negative electrode, and a method and apparatus for manufacturing a negative electrode, are provided. The apparatus for manufacturing a negative electrode includes a pair of magnet plates including an upper magnet plate and a lower magnet plate respectively disposed above and below a plane (e.g., X-Y plane) in which the negative electrode moves in a direction (e.g., X-axis direction). In the magnet plate, first and second vertical unit magnets and first and second horizontal unit magnets with magnetic force lines having different directions are arranged, and a direction of magnetic force lines of the unit magnets changes by 90 degrees in a second direction (e.g., Y-axis direction). The upper and lower magnet plates have opposite polarities, and the upper and lower magnet plates have constant magnetic force in the first direction and a magnetic force changing in the second direction.