Continuous Rapid Solidification Apparatus with Multi-Crucible Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rapid solidification apparatuses for alloy production, such as those used in lithium secondary battery anode active materials, face challenges in maintaining continuous operation and efficient cooling due to the need for frequent raw material replenishment and lack of vacuum processing capabilities, leading to reduced cycle life and energy density.
Innovation Solution
A continuous rapid solidification apparatus with a cooling roll, crucible, and multiple molten metal supplies that allow for sequential and constant pressure supply of molten metal, along with independent sealed chambers for vacuum processing, ensuring continuous operation and improved cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single crucible is used to supply molten metal to the cooling roll, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the operation must be interrupted frequently to replenish raw material
Solution Approach 1:
The single crucible is divided into multiple crucibles (first crucible and second crucible) that operate in sequence. While one crucible is supplying molten metal to the cooling roll, another crucible can be replenished with raw material, thereby eliminating operational interruptions while maintaining relatively simple apparatus structure
Solution Approach 2:
Raw material is prepared and melted in advance in the auxiliary crucible before being needed. The pre-melted metal is then transferred to the main crucible, ensuring that the melting and supply process can continue without interruption and maintaining high productivity
2Quantity of substance
If the crucible is opened to replenish raw material, then the raw material can be refreshed, but the sealed environment is broken and processing time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The crucible system is segmented into multiple units that can operate independently. When one crucible needs replenishment, another can continue supplying molten metal, eliminating the need to open the sealed environment and avoiding processing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-crucible system ensures continuous supply of molten metal to the cooling roll. By having multiple crucibles that can be replenished sequentially, the useful action of rapid solidification continues without interruption, maintaining both material supply and processing time efficiency
3Productivity
If raw material is melted and supplied continuously, then work continuity is improved, but the apparatus requires complex multi-crucible configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus uses a segmented crucible system with a first crucible for active supply and a second crucible for replenishment. This segmentation enables continuous operation while keeping each individual crucible unit relatively simple in design
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary crucible chamber serves multiple functions: it can hold raw material, melt it using an internal heater, and transfer the molten metal to the main crucible. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall apparatus complexity while maintaining continuous work capability
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 apparatus minimizes interruptions for raw material replenishment, maintains continuous operation, and enables efficient vacuum cooling, resulting in enhanced energy density and extended cycle life of lithium secondary batteries by ensuring consistent molten metal supply and controlled processing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling roll (10) configured to cool a molten metal supplied to an outer circumference surface
Implementation Method 2
continuous rapid solidification apparatus, capable of continuously supplying molten metal
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a continuous rapid solidification apparatus, which includes a cooling roll configured to cool a molten metal supplied to an outer circumference surface thereof; a crucible configured to supply the cooling roll with the molten metal; and two or more molten metal supplies configured to melt raw material metal and alternately supply the crucible with the molten metal.