Dry SLMP Electrode Coating via Static Attraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lithium ion battery electrode materials face limitations in achieving high energy density, power density, and lifespan due to the use of flammable organic solvents in applying Stabilized Lithium Metal Powder (SLMP), which poses a fire hazard and increases manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a roller press and static electricity generator applies SLMP to lithium ion battery electrodes without using flammable solvents, allowing controlled loading and activation of SLMP, reducing costs and enhancing performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If flammable organic solvents are used to apply SLMP to electrodes, then SLMP can be introduced into the electrode, but fire hazard and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire hazardVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes flammable organic solvents from the SLMP application process entirely. Instead of using solvent-based methods to introduce SLMP into electrodes, the invention employs a dry delivery system where SLMP particles are applied directly to the electrode surface through a coating apparatus, eliminating the harmful solvent component while maintaining the functionality of SLMP incorporation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a binding agent as an intermediary substance to enable SLMP particle attachment to the electrode. The binding agent serves as a mediator that holds SLMP particles on the electrode surface without requiring flammable organic solvents, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable fire-safe operation and manufacturing feasibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If flammable organic solvents are used to apply SLMP, then SLMP can be sprayed on electrode laminate, but fire hazard increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSLMP application capabilityVSAvoidfire hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical/solvent-based SLMP application method with a mechanical dry delivery system. A coating apparatus mechanically applies SLMP particles directly to the electrode laminate through controlled deposition, eliminating the need for flammable organic solvents while maintaining effective SLMP application capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a fire-safe environment by eliminating flammable organic solvents from the process. The dry delivery method operates in an inherently safer, effectively inert environment regarding fire hazards, while still achieving complete SLMP application to the electrode surface through mechanical means

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 method improves coulombic efficiency and cycle performance of lithium ion batteries while eliminating the risk of flammable solvents, achieving higher energy density and longer lifespan at a lower manufacturing cost.

Implementation Method 1

A plastic tray with SLMP is placed right below the left roller... As the nylon belt rubs the roller surface, the static electricity created will stick the SLMP on the roller surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

With rotation of the roller and compression from the roller press, SLMP stuck on the surface can be transferred onto the electrode surface and activated simultaneously

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS10186705B2Instrumentation to dry-deliver SLMP particles to the lithium-ion electrode
Publication Date: 2019.01.22 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA
  • US10186705B2 patent drawing
  • US10186705B2 patent drawing
  • US10186705B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An embodiment of the invention describes an calendaring apparatus comprising a roller press comprising a first roller and a second roller, a static electricity generator, a motor drive system in communication with the first roller and the second roller to impart rotation to first roller and the second roller, wherein the static electricity generator imparts a static charge to a surface of the first roller, and a material holding tray for holding a material in communication with the first roller.