Electrode Separator Lamination With Anti-Wrinkle Tension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode assembly manufacturing processes often result in separator folding or wrinkling during the lamination process, leading to defective battery cells due to misalignment and poor attachment, which can cause short circuits between electrodes of different polarities.
Innovation Solution
An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus that includes a first separator supply unit, an anti-wrinkle unit to apply tension and form a fine embossed pattern on the separator sheets, and a lamination unit to apply heat and pressure, ensuring the separators are stretched tightly and securely attached to the electrodes, preventing folding and wrinkling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the separator is designed to have a larger area than electrodes to secure insulation, then insulation between different polarities is improved, but the separator may be folded or wrinkled during transfer process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using a tensioning device to pre-stretch the separator before the lamination process. This pre-tensioning counteracts the tendency of the separator to fold or wrinkle during subsequent transfer and lamination operations, thereby maintaining separator stability while preserving the larger area design for insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing the stretching and tensioning of the separator prior to lamination. The separator is pre-stretched to the desired tension level before being laminated to the electrodes, ensuring that the separator maintains its flat, wrinkle-free state throughout the manufacturing process.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the separator is stretched tightly during lamination, then folding and wrinkling are prevented, but additional tensioning equipment and process steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tensioning function with the existing lamination process by integrating a tensioning device into the lamination apparatus. The separator is stretched and held under tension during the same process cycle in which lamination occurs, combining multiple functions into a unified process that reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning device is designed to perform multiple functions: it stretches the separator to prevent wrinkles, maintains tension during transfer, and ensures proper alignment during lamination. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate dedicated equipment for each function.
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 effectively prevents separator folding and wrinkling, ensuring proper attachment and reducing the risk of short circuits, thereby enhancing the quality of electrode assemblies and preventing defective battery cell production.
Implementation Method 1
a lamination unit configured to apply heat and pressure to the first separator sheet, the first unit electrode, and the second separator sheet so as to be attached to each other
Implementation Method 2
an anti-wrinkle unit configured to hold the first separator sheet and the second separator sheet in order to apply tension thereto
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus including a first separator supply unit configured to supply a first separator sheet from a first separator roll, a first electrode supply unit configured to supply a first unit electrode from a first electrode roll, a second separator supply unit configured to supply a second separator sheet from a second separator roll, an anti-wrinkle unit configured to hold the first separator sheet and the second separator sheet to apply tension thereto, a surface treatment unit configured to form an embossed pattern on each of the first separator sheet and the second separator sheet, a lamination unit configured to apply heat and pressure to the first separator sheet, the first unit electrode, and the second separator sheet, and a cutting unit configured to cut the first separator sheet and the second separator sheet.