Optical Imaging for Undissolved Material in Polymer Solution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring undissolved substances in polymer solutions used for electrode slurries are subjective and fail to accurately determine the number and size of gels, leading to surface defects and increased resistance in secondary batteries.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application of a polymer solution on a transparent plate, illumination from a planar surface light source, and photography to capture the shape of light passing through, allowing for objective measurement of undissolved substances using image analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a visual inspection method is used to measure undissolved substances in polymer solution, then the measurement process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision is low and results vary between different measurers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement process simplicityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual visual inspection method with an automated optical imaging system. A camera captures images of the polymer solution, and image processing algorithms automatically detect and count undissolved substances. This substitution eliminates human subjectivity and variability while maintaining operational simplicity, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of time

If the current visual measurement method is used, then the measurement can be performed quickly, but the size of gels by undissolved substances cannot be measured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement timeVSAvoidgel size measurement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from zero-dimensional visual counting to two-dimensional image analysis. By capturing images and processing them computationally, the system can simultaneously determine both the number and size of undissolved substances across the entire sample area. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive measurement of multiple parameters (count and size distribution) without increasing measurement time, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 method enables precise measurement of undissolved substances, preventing electrode surface defects and resistance issues in secondary batteries by providing a standardized and accurate assessment.

Implementation Method 1

illumination from a planar surface light source, and photography to capture the shape of light passing through

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3702754B1Method for measuring undissolved material in polymer solution
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3702754B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3702754B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3702754B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for measuring undissolved material in a polymer solution used in the production of electrode slurry using a surface light source. The method for measuring undissolved material in a polymer solution of the present invention comprises: a solution application step of applying a polymer solution on a transparent plate; a light supplying step of supplying light with a light source to the polymer solution applied on the transparent plate; a photographing step of photographing a shape of the light transmitted through the polymer solution applied on the transparent plate; and a measuring step of confirming the number and particle size of the undissolved material in the polymer solution with a photographed image.