Magnetic Well Electrode Stacking for Contactless Layer Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for stacking electrode layers in battery cells often require physical contact, which can damage the layers and necessitate the use of disposable layers, and lack efficient control over the stacking process.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a magnetic well with a magnet to control the movement of electrode layers through a cavity, inducing a current that opposes the magnetic field to slow down the layers and allow for contactless or nearly contactless stacking, eliminating the need for disposable layers and improving precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical contact methods are used to stack electrode layers, then the stacking process is simple to implement, but the electrode layers are damaged and disposable layers are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage-free stackingVSAvoidstacking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based stacking with an electromagnetic system. A magnetic well generates a magnetic field that interacts with conductive electrode layers to control their movement and stacking without physical contact, eliminating damage while managing complexity through field-based control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the stacking mechanism and electrode layers. The magnetic well generates this field to control electrode movement and positioning indirectly, avoiding direct mechanical contact that causes damage while maintaining precise control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If contactless stacking is implemented, then the risk of damage is reduced, but the control precision over movement is challenging to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage-free stackingVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the magnetic field interaction is monitored and adjusted to control electrode layer movement. The system responds to the induced currents and magnetic field changes to maintain precise positioning without physical contact, achieving both damage-free stacking and positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls electrode layer movement by changing magnetic field parameters (strength, distribution, timing) rather than using mechanical positioners. By dynamically adjusting magnetic field characteristics, the system achieves precise positioning control in a contactless manner

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If magnetic field control is used to slow electrode layers, then the stacking precision is improved, but the energy consumption increases due to induced currents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestacking precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of induced currents (which oppose motion and consume energy) into a beneficial control mechanism. The same electromagnetic interaction that creates energy loss is used to precisely control electrode layer speed and positioning, transforming an adverse effect into the primary control method

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 system enables precise and damage-free stacking of electrode layers by controlling their movement, reducing the risk of damage and eliminating the need for disposable layers, while allowing for accurate alignment and positioning within the battery cell.

Implementation Method 1

The magnetic field can induce a current in the electrode layer. The induced current can cause a second magnetic field to be generated that opposes the magnetic field.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The induced current can cause a second magnetic field to be generated that opposes the magnetic field. The second magnetic field can control the movement of the electrode layer (e.g., reduce a velocity of the electrode layer within the magnetic well).

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLenz's law:

Implementation Method 3

The electrode layer can move through the magnetic well (e.g., move from a top of the magnetic well to a bottom of the magnetic well via gravitational force).

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20240063421A1Systems and methods for stacking electrodes

Publication Date: 2024.02.22 RIVIAN HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A system to stack electrode layers can include a magnetic well and a magnet. The magnetic well can define a cavity. The cavity can be configured to allow a movement of an electrode layer through the cavity. The magnet can generate a magnetic field within the magnetic well. The magnetic field interacts with the electrode layer to control the movement of the electrode layer through the cavity.