Rotary Electrode Assembly Taping for Uniform Battery Cell Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching tape to electrode assemblies in batteries suffer from non-uniform cutting lengths, improper adhesion, and separation of electrodes due to human error, leading to defects in the manufacturing process.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method utilizing a rotary roll, guide blocks with holders and vacuum holes, and a tape supply system to automate the attachment of tape to the outer periphery of electrode assemblies, ensuring precise and consistent application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual taping is performed by an operator, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to non-uniform cutting length and attachment position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidtape cutting length and attachment position uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of taping with an automated mechanical system consisting of a rotary roll, guide blocks, and tape supply mechanism. This substitution eliminates human variability in cutting length and attachment position while maintaining operational continuity through automated control of the taping process.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls the taping process by precisely managing parameters such as tape cutting length, attachment position, and adhesive force application. The automated system maintains consistent parameters across all electrode assemblies, ensuring uniformity that cannot be achieved through manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If manual taping is performed by an operator, then device complexity is minimized, but reliability deteriorates due to decrease in adhesive force and tape separation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetaping system complexityVSAvoidadhesive force and tape attachment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual taping operations with an automated mechanical system that applies tape with consistent adhesive force. The system includes mechanisms for controlling tape application pressure and ensuring proper adhesion, thereby improving reliability while accepting increased device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The guide block serves as an intermediary component between the tape supply mechanism and the electrode assembly. It ensures proper tape positioning and application, mediating the transfer of adhesive force uniformly across the tape surface to prevent separation during subsequent processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If automated taping is implemented, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetape attachment uniformityVSAvoidautomated taping system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated taping system is divided into functional segments: a rotary roll for holding electrode assemblies, guide blocks for tape positioning, and a tape supply mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving high manufacturing precision while managing overall system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary roll serves multiple functions: it holds multiple electrode assemblies, positions them for taping, and facilitates their movement through the taping process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices for each operation, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If automated taping is implemented, then productivity increases through high-speed processing, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetape attachment speedVSAvoidautomated taping system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated taping system operates continuously with the rotary roll rotating to present electrode assemblies to the taping mechanism in sequence. This continuous operation eliminates idle time between taping operations, achieving high productivity while the automated nature of the system manages the complexity of coordinating multiple moving parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates dynamic elements such as the rotating rotary roll and movable guide blocks that adapt to the positioning requirements of each electrode assembly. This dynamic operation allows high-speed processing while the automated control system manages the complexity of coordinating these moving components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables high-speed, defect-free attachment of tape to multiple electrode assemblies, reducing human error and improving manufacturing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a surface of the guide block, which is configured to come into contact with a bonding surface of the tape, may have a fine concave-convex layer and a vacuum hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP4648152A1Electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and electrode assembly manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4648152A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4648152A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4648152A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and an electrode assembly manufacturing method including a process of attaching a tape to an electrode assembly by using same, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus comprising: a rotating roll; a plurality of electrode assembly accommodation grooves provided at the circumference of the rotating roll; and a guide block provided between any one of the plurality of electrode assembly accommodation grooves and another electrode assembly accommodation groove adjacent thereto to provide a tape to each electrode assembly to be accommodated in the electrode assembly accommodation grooves.