Polymer Support Layer Current Collector Laser Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The processability of current collectors with composite structures of polymer and metal layers is poor, leading to issues such as tool sticking during cutting and low efficiency in laser cutting processes, which affects the lifetime of knife-die tools and the performance of lithium-ion secondary batteries.

Innovation Solution

A current collector with a support layer made of polymer or polymer matrix composite materials, having a light transmittance of 0≤T≤98%, which enhances the rigidity, flexibility, and weight energy density, and allows for high processability and efficiency in laser cutting processes by absorbing laser energy effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a conventional knife-die molding process is used to cut the current collector with composite structure, then the cutting process can be performed, but tool sticking occurs easily resulting in decreased lifetime of the knife-die

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting processabilityVSAvoidknife-die lifetime
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical knife-die cutting system with a laser cutting system. The laser beam cuts through the current collector without physical contact, eliminating tool sticking issues and extending tool lifetime while maintaining cutting capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the optical parameters of the support layer by controlling its light transmittance to be 0≤T≤98%. This parameter change enables the support layer to effectively absorb laser energy, making the material compatible with laser cutting processes and improving overall processability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If a low-power laser is used for laser molding process, then the current collector can be cut, but bonding occurs easily and cutting efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting efficiencyVSAvoidbonding phenomenon
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the optical parameters of the support layer by controlling light transmittance to 0≤T≤98%. This enables effective absorption of laser energy, allowing the use of low-power lasers to achieve efficient cutting without causing bonding, as the energy is properly absorbed and converted to heat for clean cutting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the laser power is increased to improve cutting efficiency, then the cutting speed increases, but burning of the metal layer and melting of the polymer layer occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting speedVSAvoidburning and melting of layers
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the light transmittance of the support layer to be 0≤T≤98%, which optimizes laser energy absorption. This parameter control allows efficient cutting at appropriate laser powers without excessive energy input that would cause burning or melting, achieving high cutting speed with clean edges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 improves the processability and processing efficiency of current collectors and electrode plates during laser cutting, reducing metal burrs and enhancing safety performance while maintaining mechanical strength, resulting in higher energy density and reduced weight for electrochemical devices.

Implementation Method 1

the light transmittance T of the support layer satisfies: 0≤T ≤98%... during laser cutting process the current collector, the electrode plate and the electrochemical device using the current collector have high processability and processing efficiency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10826072B2Current collector, electrode plate and electrochemical device
Publication Date: 2020.11.03 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY (HONG KONG) LIMITED

AI summary

The present application discloses a current collector, an electrode plate, and an electrochemical device. The current collector comprises: a support layer comprising opposite two surfaces along the thickness direction thereof; a conductive layer disposed on at least one of the two surfaces of the support layer; wherein the support layer comprises a support material selected from one or more of a polymer material and a polymer matrix composite material, and wherein the light transmittance T of the support layer is 0≤T≤98%. The current collector, electrode plate and electrochemical device provided by the present application have good processability.