Separator Authentication via Inorganic Particle Spectral Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for authenticating electrochemical devices, such as batteries, often require additional space for identification components, leading to reduced capacity and increased costs, and are not effective against counterfeits.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating inorganic particles with unique spectrum or color patterns into the separator, allowing for identification of the separator and electrochemical device without additional space, using specific peak positions and intensities or color patterns determined by the number, kind, and arrangement of particles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a semiconductor is incorporated into the electrochemical device for authentication, then the authenticity can be checked, but the space for receiving electrodes becomes smaller and capacity drops

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthenticity verificationVSAvoidbattery capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the authentication function with the existing separator component by incorporating inorganic particles into the separator. This merging eliminates the need for separate authentication components that would occupy additional space, thereby maintaining battery capacity while achieving authenticity verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The separator is given dual functionality: it performs its primary function of preventing electrode contact while simultaneously serving as an authentication medium through the incorporated inorganic particles. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated authentication components that would reduce battery capacity.

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

2Reliability

If a semiconductor is incorporated into the electrochemical device for authentication, then the authenticity can be checked, but productivity and cost-efficiency degrade

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthenticity verificationVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication function is merged into the separator manufacturing process itself. The inorganic particles are incorporated during separator production, eliminating the need for separate authentication component installation steps, thereby maintaining manufacturing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If inorganic particles are introduced into the separator for identification, then the separator becomes identifiable without additional space, but the separator structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveidentifiabilityVSAvoidseparator structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inorganic particles are introduced at specific local positions within the separator structure rather than uniformly throughout. This localized introduction provides identification capability while minimizing the overall structural complexity and maintaining the separator's primary functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables authentic identification of the separator and electrochemical device without reducing capacity, effectively distinguishing genuine from counterfeit products by observing the unique spectrum or color patterns, thereby preventing misuse during manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

inorganic particle(s) having a unique spectrum or color pattern is(are) introduced into the separator according to a predetermined rule

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption Spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 2

Each kind of inorganic particle has its unique spectrum or color pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP2070137B1Method for identifying the origin or kind of a separator itself or of an electrochemical device having the separator
Publication Date: 2014.10.29 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP2070137B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(f)
  • EP2070137B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~3
  • EP2070137B1 patent drawingFigure 4(a)~4(b)

AI summary

Disclosed is a separator comprising inorganic particle or aggregates thereof having a unique spectrum or color pattern according to a predetermined rule. Also, disclosed are an electrochemical device comprising the above separator and a method for identifying the origin or kind of the separator itself or the electrochemical device comprising the same by using the above separator. Further, disclosed is a method for manufacturing the aforementioned separator, the method comprising a step of forming a specific pattern by coating inorganic particles having a unique spectrum or color pattern on at least one area selected from the group consisting of a surface of a porous substrate and a porous part of the substrate.