Slot Die Coater Gap Adjustment for Precise Electrode Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional slot die coaters face inefficiencies in adjusting the distance between discharge holes, requiring disassembly and reassembly of die blocks, which delays the process, increases material consumption, and reduces overall efficiency, while also potentially affecting the life of the coater.

Innovation Solution

A slot die coater adjusting device that allows the upper die to slide along an inclined surface, utilizing pressing block assemblies, a linear motion guide, servo motor, and reducer to adjust the distance between the upper and lower discharge holes, enabling precise movement and adjustment without disassembling the die blocks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the die blocks are disassembled and reassembled to adjust the gap between discharge holes, then the distance between upper and lower discharge holes can be adjusted, but the process time is delayed and material consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance between discharge holesVSAvoidadjustment process time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the upper die block movable relative to the lower die block through a lifting mechanism. The upper die block can be dynamically adjusted in the vertical direction to change the gap between discharge holes, eliminating the need for disassembly and reassembly. This dynamic adjustment capability directly resolves the contradiction by enabling precise gap modification while maintaining continuous operation and avoiding time loss associated with repeated assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical assembly/disassembly system with an automated lifting mechanism controlled by a drive unit. Instead of mechanically disassembling and reassembling die blocks to adjust gaps, the system uses a motorized lifting mechanism to automatically position the upper die block at the desired height. This substitution of mechanical operations with automated control reduces adjustment time and eliminates material waste from repeated setup operations.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If the die blocks are disassembled and reassembled to adjust the gap, then the discharge amount can be controlled, but the overall efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge amount controlVSAvoidoverall efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the upper die block position, allowing precise control of the gap between discharge holes without interrupting production. This dynamic capability maintains productivity by eliminating repeated assembly operations while achieving the desired discharge amount control through automated positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The automated lifting mechanism replaces manual assembly operations with motorized control, maintaining precise discharge amount control while significantly improving overall efficiency. The drive unit automatically adjusts the gap to the target value without requiring production shutdown or repeated setup, thus preserving productivity while achieving precise control.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple die blocks are separated to adjust one discharge hole, then the gap can be modified, but the positions of other die blocks are affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegap adjustmentVSAvoiddie block positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the adjustment function from the other die blocks. Only the upper die block is made movable with the lifting mechanism, while the lower die block and other components remain fixed in their positions. This segmented approach allows independent adjustment of the gap without affecting the positioning of other die blocks, maintaining both adjustment capability and positioning reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 precise adjustment of the distance between discharge holes, improving process efficiency by reducing material waste and extending the life of the coater, while allowing for more accurate control over electrode active material layer thickness.

Implementation Method 1

a linear motion (LM) guide disposed at a lower portion of the pressing block assembly and connected to the pressing block assembly to guide a movement of the pressing block assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear motion guidance:

Implementation Method 2

a servo motor configured to give a power for moving the LM guide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a reducer connected between the servo motor and the LM guide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS12257599B2Slot die coater adjusting device for controlling distance between upper discharge port and lower discharge port of slot die coater, and electrode active material coating system including same
Publication Date: 2025.03.25 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • US12257599B2 patent drawing
  • US12257599B2 patent drawing
  • US12257599B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is a slot die coater adjusting device, which adjusts a slot die coater including a lower die having a lower discharge hole for discharging a first active material slurry and an upper die having an upper discharge hole for discharging a second active material slurry, to adjust a distance between the lower discharge hole and the upper discharge hole by allowing the upper die to move. The slot die coater adjusting device includes pressing block assemblies respectively provided to both longitudinal sides of the slot die coater and fixed to the upper die; a linear motion (LM) guide disposed at a lower portion of the pressing block assembly and connected to the pressing block assembly to guide a movement of the pressing block assembly; a servo motor configured to give a power for moving the LM guide; and a reducer connected between the servo motor and the LM guide.