Separator Coating Apparatus with Recycled Solution Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coating separators in secondary batteries face challenges in maintaining uniformity and preventing composition variations of the coating solution, particularly due to solvent volatilization and exposure to the outside, which affects the heat resistance and performance of the separators.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for coating separators that involve a receiving chamber, a coating bar with a wire or mesh design, and a collection chamber to recycle the coating solution, ensuring it remains sealed and maintains its composition by using a return line to circulate the solution, preventing excessive application and solvent volatilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the coating solution is supplied to a receiving chamber and applied to the separator surface, then the coating process can be performed, but the coating solution may be exposed to the outside causing composition variation and solvent volatilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sealed receiving chamber with a flexible membrane or thin film structure that separates the coating solution from the external environment. This flexible barrier prevents solvent volatilization and composition variation while allowing the coating solution to be applied uniformly to the separator surface through controlled contact with the coating bar.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving chamber is sealed to create an inert or controlled atmosphere that prevents the coating solution from being exposed to outside air. This isolation maintains the original composition of the coating solution by preventing solvent evaporation and contamination, while still enabling the coating application process to proceed.
2Manufacturing precision
If the coating solution is allowed to overflow the receiving chamber, then excess solution can be removed, but the overflowing solution is lost and cannot be reused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a collection chamber that captures and recovers the coating solution overflowing from the receiving chamber. Instead of discarding the excess solution, it is collected and returned to the receiving chamber through a return line, enabling continuous reuse and preventing material loss while maintaining precise coating thickness control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where overflowing coating solution is collected, returned to the receiving chamber, and reused. This closed-loop approach ensures that excess solution is not wasted but continuously recycled, maintaining both coating precision and material efficiency.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the receiving chamber is sealed to prevent exposure, then composition stability is maintained, but the coating solution cannot be easily supplied or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary return line that connects the collection chamber to the receiving chamber, mediating the supply and removal of coating solution within the sealed system. This intermediary pathway enables controlled addition and removal of solution without breaking the seal, maintaining composition stability while facilitating operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional chambers: a receiving chamber for coating application, a collection chamber for overflow recovery, and a return line for solution circulation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining the overall sealed structure, balancing composition stability with operational ease.
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 approach ensures uniform coating application, maintains the composition of the coating solution, and enhances the heat resistance of separators by minimizing solvent volatilization and allowing for the reuse of the coating solution, resulting in consistent and improved performance of secondary battery separators.
Implementation Method 1
applying the coating solution received in the receiving chamber to a surface of the separator through a coating bar
Implementation Method 2
applying the coating solution received in the receiving chamber to a surface of the separator through a coating bar
Implementation Method 3
collecting coating solution overflowing the receiving chamber by a collection chamber surrounding the receiving chamber and returning coating solution from the collection chamber to the receiving chamber through a return line
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an apparatus and method for coating a separator. The method includes supplying a coating solution to a receiving chamber; applying the coating solution received in the receiving chamber to a surface of the separator through a coating bar; collecting coating solution overflowing the receiving chamber by a collection chamber surrounding the receiving chamber; and returning coating solution from the collection chamber to the receiving chamber through a return line.