Resin-Structured Electrode Manufacturing to Prevent Base Curling

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Solution Overview

Problem

All-solid-state batteries face issues with cracks in the solid electrolyte during the pressing process, leading to potential short circuits and decreased productivity due to curling of the electrode base, which is not effectively addressed by existing methods.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the application of a first liquid composition containing a polymerizable compound and a solvent to form a resin structure layer, followed by the application of an active material layer, and subsequent solvent removal, using inkjet printing to minimize material loss and achieve precise patterns, thereby reducing curling and enhancing productivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a positive electrode guide is arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the positive electrode active material layer to prevent cracks in the solid electrolyte, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of solid electrolyte cracksVSAvoidelectrode structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the protective function from a separate positive electrode guide component and integrates it into the electrode base itself through a resin structure layer. This eliminates the need for additional guide components while maintaining the crack prevention function, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the electrode base and the protective guide structure into a single integrated component. The resin structure layer is formed directly on the electrode base, combining the structural support function with the crack prevention function, thus simplifying the overall electrode structure while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If conventional electrode manufacturing methods are used, then existing process compatibility is maintained, but productivity decreases due to curling of the electrode base

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidelectrode base flatness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a resin structure layer to the electrode base before manufacturing the active material layer. This preliminary action of forming the resin structure layer prevents curling of the electrode base during subsequent manufacturing processes, ensuring flatness and enabling high-speed manufacturing without defects, thus improving productivity while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If high pressure pressing is applied to achieve high density in all-solid-state batteries, then energy density is improved, but harmful factors increase due to cracks in the solid electrolyte

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidsolid electrolyte damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent forms a resin structure layer on the electrode base before assembling the battery and applying high pressure pressing. This resin structure layer acts as a cushioning structure that distributes the pressing load uniformly, preventing stress concentration that would cause cracks in the solid electrolyte, thus enabling high energy density achievement while preventing harmful damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 simplifies the manufacturing process, suppresses curling of the electrode base, and improves productivity by forming a stable electrode structure that reduces the risk of short circuits and enhances the performance of all-solid-state batteries.

Implementation Method 1

applying a first liquid composition including a polymerizable compound and a first solvent onto an electrode base to form a first liquid composition layer, polymerizing the polymerizable compound to form a resin structure layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

removing the first solvent and the second solvent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP4443530A1Method of manufacturing electrode, electrode, electrode manufacturing apparatus, method of manufacturing electrochemical element, and electrochemical element manufacturing apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4443530A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~3
  • EP4443530A1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP4443530A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method of manufacturing an electrode is provided that includes applying a first liquid composition including a polymerizable compound and a first solvent onto an electrode base to form a first liquid composition layer, polymerizing the polymerizable compound to form a resin structure layer, applying a second liquid composition including an active material and a second solvent onto the electrode base to form a second liquid composition layer, and removing the first solvent and the second solvent.