Shear-Thinning Liquid Composition for Scatter-Free Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid compositions used in electrochemical elements like lithium ion secondary batteries suffer from scattering phenomena such as mist, liquid separation, and rebounding during discharge, leading to image impairment and safety risks like short circuits.

Innovation Solution

A liquid composition with specific shear viscosity ranges (ηA ≥ 1000 mPa·s at 10^-1 s^-1 and ηB ≤ 100 mPa·s at 10^5 s^-1) and a liquid discharger with a discharge device that forms a liquid column between the head and base to minimize scattering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If liquid composition is discharged using conventional methods, then application coverage is achieved, but scattering phenomenon (mist, liquid separation, rebounding) occurs causing image impairment and safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidscattering phenomenon
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the viscosity characteristics of the liquid composition. Specifically, it controls the viscosity at low shear rate (ηA) to be ≥1000 mPa·s and at high shear rate (ηB) to be ≤100 mPa·s, creating a specific viscosity ratio (ηA/ηB ≥ 10). This parameter optimization prevents scattering phenomena during discharge while maintaining safe and reliable application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamics by utilizing the shear-thinning property of the liquid composition. The viscosity dynamically adjusts based on shear rate: high viscosity at low shear rates prevents mist and scattering during storage and handling, while low viscosity at high shear rates enables smooth discharge and application. This dynamic viscosity adjustment eliminates scattering phenomena without compromising safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If liquid composition with high viscosity is used to reduce scattering, then mist and liquid separation are minimized, but discharge difficulty and application uniformity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemist and liquid separationVSAvoiddischarge difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction through parameter changes in viscosity characteristics. By setting viscosity at low shear rate (ηA) to ≥1000 mPa·s and at high shear rate (ηB) to ≤100 mPa·s, the liquid composition maintains high viscosity during storage to prevent mist and separation, yet flows easily during discharge due to shear-thinning. This parameter optimization enables both scattering prevention and easy discharge operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by exploiting the time-dependent and shear-rate-dependent viscosity behavior of the liquid composition. The material exhibits high viscosity under static or low-shear conditions (preventing mist and separation) but transitions to low viscosity under high-shear discharge conditions (enabling easy flow and uniform application). This dynamic behavior simultaneously achieves scattering reduction and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If liquid composition is applied to form electrode mixture layer, then electrode production is achieved, but unintentional scattering causes short circuit risk in batteries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode production efficiencyVSAvoidshort circuit prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing viscosity characteristics to prevent scattering during electrode production. The liquid composition maintains high viscosity (ηA ≥1000 mPa·s) at low shear rates during storage and handling to prevent premature scattering, while exhibiting low viscosity (ηB ≤100 mPa·s) at high shear rates during jet dispenser discharge. This ensures precise application without scattering that could cause short circuits, maintaining both productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamics through the shear-thinning behavior of the liquid composition during the electrode production process. The material remains stable with high viscosity during storage and transport (preventing scattering and short circuit risks), then dynamically transitions to low viscosity during high-shear discharge through the jet dispenser (enabling precise, controlled application). This dynamic viscosity adjustment ensures both efficient production and short circuit prevention.

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

Reduces mist, liquid separation, and rebounding, ensuring uniform application and safety by preventing contamination and potential short circuits.

Implementation Method 1

ηA is a viscosity of the liquid composition at a shear rate of 10-1s-1 and the ηA is equal to or greater than 1000 mPa·s. ηB is a viscosity of the liquid composition at a shear rate of 105s-1and the ηB is equal to or smaller than 100 mPa·s

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShear thinning: Shear Thinning

Data Source

PatentEP4629301A1Liquid composition, liquid discharger, and liquid discharge method
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4629301A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2
  • EP4629301A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4629301A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A liquid composition (37) includes an active material and a dispersion medium. ηA is a viscosity of the liquid composition at a shear rate of 10-1s-1 and the ηA is equal to or greater than 1000 mPa·s. ηB is a viscosity of the liquid composition at a shear rate of 105s-1and the ηB is equal to or smaller than 100 mPa·s.