Patterned Grinding Rotor for Uniform Battery Material Particles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grinding processes for rechargeable battery materials result in non-uniform particle sizes, making it difficult to achieve a uniformly thick electrode active material film, which affects the charge and discharge characteristics of the battery.

Innovation Solution

A grinding apparatus with a specific design featuring a rotation member with intersecting first and second patterns and grinding portions, along with a cooling unit, to uniformly grind raw materials for electrode active material films.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional grinding processes are used for rechargeable battery materials, then the grinding operation can be performed, but the particle size becomes non-uniform, making it difficult to achieve uniformly thick electrode active material films

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size uniformityVSAvoidgrinding process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The grinding apparatus divides the grinding function into multiple discrete grinding portions (first, second, third, and fourth grinding portions) arranged in different regions. Each grinding portion has specific grooves with predetermined patterns that work together to achieve uniform particle size distribution through segmented grinding actions rather than a single grinding operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different grinding portions are positioned in different regions (first region, second region, third region, fourth region) with each having specific groove patterns and orientations. This local differentiation ensures that materials in different positions receive appropriate grinding treatment, achieving uniform particle size throughout the entire material batch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If the particle size of raw material is not substantially uniform during the grinding process, then the grinding operation is easier to perform, but it becomes difficult to manufacture film of substantially uniform thickness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm thickness uniformityVSAvoidgrinding process efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The grinding apparatus performs preliminary uniform grinding of electrode active material particles before the coating process. By ensuring uniform particle size distribution in advance through the multi-region grinding portions with specific groove patterns, the subsequent film coating process can proceed efficiently with uniform thickness without requiring additional sorting or re-grinding steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If a simple grinding structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to uniformly grind raw material is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle size uniformityVSAvoidgrinding apparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grinding apparatus merges multiple grinding functions into a single integrated structure. The first, second, third, and fourth grinding portions with their respective groove patterns are combined in one apparatus, allowing uniform particle size achievement through a single grinding operation rather than requiring multiple separate grinding devices or stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces spatial dimensionality to the grinding process by arranging grinding portions in different regions (first, second, third, fourth regions) with specific groove orientations and patterns. This multi-dimensional arrangement ensures comprehensive and uniform grinding action across all material particles, achieving consistent particle size distribution that would be difficult with a simple single-region grinding structure.

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

The apparatus achieves uniformly sized particles, enabling the production of electrode active material films with consistent thickness, thereby improving the charge and discharge performance of rechargeable batteries.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of grinding portions between the plurality of first lines and the plurality of second lines, and protruding to the outside (e.g., toward the fixing member) to grind raw material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical abrasion: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

a cooling unit configured to cool the fixing member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a cooling unit configured to cool the fixing member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4606481A1Grinding apparatus for rechargeable battery materials
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP4606481A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4606481A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4606481A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A grinding apparatus of the present disclosure includes a body member including an inlet through which raw material is introduced; a fixing member installed inside the body member; a rotation member installed inside the body member and positioned spaced apart from the fixing member; and a driving member installed outside of the body member and configured to rotate the rotation member, wherein the rotation member includes a disk coupled to the driving member; a first pattern inserted to a certain depth on the disk and including a plurality of first lines positioned parallel to each other; a second pattern inserted at a certain depth on the disk and including a plurality of second lines arranged to intersect the plurality of first lines and positioned parallel to each other; and a grinding portion that is positioned between the plurality of first lines and the plurality of second lines, and protrudes to the outside to grind raw material.