Electrode Assembly Separator Spiral Lamination Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional method of manufacturing stack/folding type electrode assemblies is time-consuming and difficult to automate, leading to productivity issues and potential errors that degrade the performance of the electrode assembly and secondary batteries.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that includes a separator feeding unit, a separator folding unit, a first electrode lamination unit, and a second electrode lamination unit, where the separator strip is wound around a core to form a spiral shape, and electrode members are alternately laminated between the spiral layers, allowing for efficient automation and reduced manufacturing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the conventional method of manufacturing stack/folding type electrode assemblies is used, then the manufacturing process can be performed with simple equipment, but the manufacturing time is long and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is divided into distinct functional units: separator feeding unit, electrode lamination unit, and rolling unit. Each unit performs a specific operation independently, allowing for optimized processing at each stage and enabling automated continuous manufacturing, which significantly reduces manufacturing time compared to conventional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator is fed and positioned in advance through the separator feeding unit before electrode lamination occurs. The electrode members are also prepared and positioned beforehand. This preliminary preparation enables the rolling unit to complete the assembly quickly without delays for positioning or alignment during the main assembly process.
2Reliability
If the conventional method is used, then equipment complexity is low, but the process is difficult to automate leading to potential errors
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus incorporates automated control systems that monitor and regulate the feeding, lamination, and rolling processes. Sensors detect the position and alignment of separator and electrode members, providing feedback to control mechanisms that adjust parameters in real-time to maintain consistent quality and prevent errors, enabling reliable automated manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator feeding unit automatically feeds and positions the separator without manual intervention. The electrode lamination unit automatically aligns and bonds electrode members to the separator. These self-service functions eliminate human error and ensure consistent quality while requiring relatively simple equipment architecture.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual manufacturing methods are used, then device complexity is low, but manufacturing precision is reduced due to potential human errors
Solution Approach 1:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated mechanical systems. The separator feeding unit uses automated mechanisms to feed and position the separator with high precision. The electrode lamination unit employs automated alignment and bonding mechanisms. These automated systems eliminate human error while maintaining relatively simple mechanical designs that are easy to implement and maintain.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly including a separator feeding unit including a first roll on which one side of a separator strip is wound and a second roll on which the other side of the separator strip is wound, wherein the first and second rolls respectively unwind the separator strip so that the separator strip is fed toward a core portion of the separator strip disposed between the first and second rolls; a separator folding unit for winding the separator strip around the core portion to form a separator spiral folded in a spiral shape about the core portion; a first electrode lamination unit for laminating first electrode members on one surface of the separator spiral; and a second electrode lamination unit for laminating second electrode members on the other surface of the separator spiral.