Multi-Lane Slot Die Shim Alignment for Uniform Coating Width

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional slot die coaters face challenges in achieving uniform coating widths in multi-lane configurations due to misassembly and deformation of shims, leading to width mismatches and increased condition adjustment losses during production.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a slot die coater with improved shims featuring fixing pins and bolts for precise positional alignment, allowing individual lane adjustments and eliminating the need for re-assembly and washing, while the rounded contact areas with the manifold prevent turbulent flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional shims are used in slot die coaters, then the device structure is simple, but the coating width uniformity deteriorates due to misassembly and deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating width uniformityVSAvoidshim structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shim is divided into multiple separate shim pieces, each defining a specific lane. This segmentation allows individual positioning and adjustment of each lane's coating width, preventing uniformity issues caused by misassembly or deformation of a single integrated shim.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Positioning holes are pre-formed at specific locations on each shim piece to ensure accurate alignment during assembly. This preliminary positioning action prevents misassembly and maintains coating width uniformity without requiring complex adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If shims are used to define slots, then the coating width is determined by shim shape, but misassembly leads to width mismatches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating width controlVSAvoidassembly accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the shim into multiple pieces with individual positioning holes, each piece can be independently positioned and secured. This reduces the risk of misassembly affecting the entire multi-lane configuration and improves assembly accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Positioning holes act as intermediary features that facilitate precise alignment between shim pieces and the die block. These holes serve as guides that ensure correct positioning during assembly, preventing width mismatches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If deformation occurs in die blocks, then the slot shape changes, but conventional shims cannot compensate for this

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslot shape stabilityVSAvoidcompensation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Segmented shims can be individually adjusted or replaced to compensate for deformation in specific die blocks. This provides adaptability to maintain slot shape stability even when deformation occurs in certain areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The segmented shim structure allows for dynamic adjustment of individual pieces to compensate for die block deformation. This versatility enables the system to adapt to deformation and maintain manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If shims are separated for washing, then cleaning is possible, but re-assembly and condition adjustment are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning accessibilityVSAvoidre-assembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Segmented shims can be easily separated for cleaning and then reassembled using the pre-formed positioning holes. The positioning holes ensure quick and accurate reassembly, reducing the time loss compared to conventional integrated shims that require complex realignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Ease of operation

If a single integrated shim is used, then the structure is simple, but individual lane adjustment is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual lane adjustabilityVSAvoidshim configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shim is segmented into multiple pieces, each corresponding to a specific lane. This allows individual adjustment of each lane's position and coating width by moving or replacing only the affected shim piece, without affecting other lanes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each segmented shim piece can be optimized for its specific lane's requirements, allowing local adjustments to individual lanes while maintaining the overall multi-lane configuration. This provides ease of operation for individual lane adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20240207885A1Slot Die Coater

Publication Date: 2024.06.27 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD

AI summary

A slot die coater is configured for making a coating width of a multi lane model uniform and reducing a condition adjustment loss in the subsequent production. The slot die coater includes an upper plate; a lower plate; and shims interposed between the upper plate and the lower plate and defining at least two individual lanes to form a slot. The shims defining the individual lanes include a fixing pin to improve positional precision when fixing to the upper plate or the lower plate and a fixing bolt for fixing to the upper plate or the lower plate.