Movable Suction Pipe Discharge for Clumping Dry Electrode Mix
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The dry electrode mixture used in secondary battery manufacturing tends to clump, making it difficult to transport efficiently using conventional methods, which hampers the production process.
Innovation Solution
A method and system involving a movable pipe with a suction part and vacuum transport are used to discharge the dry electrode mixture, utilizing sensors to detect the pipe's position and control its movement within the mixer, ensuring smooth discharge and film formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If general transport methods are used for dry electrode mixture, then the transport process is simple, but the mixture clumps and transport efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic transport by introducing a gas flow (vacuum) to convey the dry electrode mixture through a pipe. The gas flow suspends and transports the powder mixture without mechanical contact, preventing clumping while maintaining efficient transport. This resolves the contradiction by using fluid dynamics rather than conventional mechanical transport methods.
2Productivity
If vacuum transport through a pipe is used, then transport efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases due to movable pipe and vacuum system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable pipe that can be positioned dynamically within the mixer to optimize discharge. The pipe's position and the vacuum operation are controlled dynamically to achieve complete discharge while managing system complexity through automated control rather than static complex structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect the pipe's position and the discharge state, providing feedback to control the vacuum operation and pipe movement. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt and optimize discharge efficiency while managing complexity through intelligent control rather than overly simplistic mechanical designs.
3Manufacturing precision
If mixing is completed before pipe disposal, then mixing precision improves, but discharge becomes more difficult due to complete mixing and potential clumping
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic vacuum transport system effectively discharges completely mixed powder by creating a suspended flow that prevents clumping during discharge. The gas flow keeps particles separated and moving smoothly through the pipe, making discharge of well-mixed material easier rather than more difficult.
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 approach facilitates efficient and automated discharge of the dry electrode mixture, reducing clumping and enhancing the manufacturing process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
performing vacuum transport of the dry electrode mixture through a suction part of the movable pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A method of discharging a dry electrode mixture, includes mixing the dry electrode mixture in a mixer, and disposing a movable pipe in the mixer and performing vacuum transport of the dry electrode mixture through a suction part of the movable pipe. The method comprises mixing the dry electrode mixture, including an electrode active material, conductive material, and binder, in a mixer with a rotatable chamber and blades. A movable pipe with a suction part, having a lower hole and vertically elongated side openings, is positioned within the mixer. A sensor detects the pipe's position to perform iterative discharge cycles, incrementally lowering the pipe until a predetermined lower set position is reached. The final discharge cycle is conducted with the chamber rotating at low speed, after which the pipe is raised. The system includes a movable pipe, suction part, and vacuum conveyor, enabling efficient, clumping-minimized discharge.