Slurry Mixing Torque Measurement for Battery Electrode Preparation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for preparing slurry for secondary batteries often introduce external impurities and are prone to errors in determining the optimal kneading point, leading to suboptimal slurry quality due to direct human observation of the mixing process.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that measure torque values during the mixing of powder and solvent in a mixer to determine the kneading point, using a solvent injection and torque measurement system to calculate the optimal mixing ratio without direct observation, with the solvent injection occurring intermittently and torque values stored to calculate the kneading point based on a predetermined ratio of the maximum torque value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a worker directly checks the inside of the mixer to determine the kneading point, then the kneading point can be visually assessed, but external impurities are introduced into the mixer causing slurry quality deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to observe the mixing process inside the mixer without direct human intervention. The camera captures images of the slurry mixing state, and these images are transmitted to a display device where the kneading point is determined. This intermediary system allows visual assessment while preventing external impurities from entering the mixer through direct observation by workers.
2Measurement precision
If a worker directly checks the inside of the mixer to determine the kneading point, then the mixing process can be monitored, but errors occur in determining the optimum kneading point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera continuously captures images of the mixing process, and these images are displayed in real-time or near-real-time. This allows for repeated observation and analysis of the slurry state, enabling more accurate and consistent determination of the kneading point. The feedback loop reduces human error by allowing multiple assessments of the same mixing state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the kneading point varies according to materials and mixer specifications, then flexibility in slurry preparation is maintained, but standardized determination of the kneading point becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically adapt to different materials and mixer specifications through the camera-based observation method. By capturing images of the actual mixing process with the specific materials and mixer being used, the system allows for determination of the kneading point that is tailored to each specific configuration. This self-adapting approach maintains flexibility while establishing a standardized observation and determination procedure that can be consistently applied across different materials and mixers.
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 approach allows for the determination of the kneading point without introducing external impurities, thereby improving the quality of the slurry and ensuring an optimized mixing ratio, enhancing the consistency and efficiency of the slurry preparation process.
Implementation Method 1
a torque meter which measures torque applied to the mixer while the powder and the solvent are mixed with each other
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an apparatus and method for preparing slurry for a secondary battery.According to the present invention, a solvent is intermittently injected into a mixer for preparing the slurry to measure a torque value applied to the mixer and thereby to obtain a maximum value of the torque value applied to the mixer. Then, a kneading point that is a mixing ratio of the powder and the solvent, which are used for preparing the slurry, is calculated to determine an optimized kneading point without error and through an automatic process.