Tab Roll Splicing Mechanism for Automatic Winding Changeover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual replacement of tab material rolls in battery manufacturing leads to long downtimes and increased labor costs, reducing productivity.

Innovation Solution

A tab roll replacing device with an unwinding mechanism, roll replacing mechanism, cutting mechanism, and strip splicing mechanism that enables automatic switching of tab material strips, utilizing floating and fixed clamping assemblies and adhesive tape wrapping to facilitate seamless roll replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual replacement of tab material rolls is used, then labor flexibility is maintained, but downtime increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddowntime
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares a new tab material roll in advance (second roll) while the current roll (first roll) is still being used. When the first roll is depleted, the second roll is already positioned and ready for immediate connection, eliminating the time-consuming manual replacement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

An automatic splicing device acts as an intermediary between the first and second tab material rolls. This device automatically connects the two rolls through adhesive bonding and heating, enabling seamless transition without manual intervention and significantly reducing downtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If automatic roll replacement is implemented, then downtime is reduced and productivity improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The splicing device integrates multiple functions into a single system: it holds multiple rolls, automatically positions them, connects them through adhesive application, and applies heat for bonding. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for separate manual operations while managing complexity through consolidation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service through automatic roll detection, positioning, and splicing mechanisms. The controller automatically manages the entire replacement process without human intervention, making the complex device operate autonomously to maintain productivity gains.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple clamping assemblies are used for automatic splicing, then splicing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplicing precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping mechanism is divided into multiple independent clamping assemblies (first and second clamping assemblies) that can operate separately. Each assembly independently secures the tab material rolls, allowing precise control over positioning and connection without requiring a single complex clamping system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping assemblies are designed to be movable and adjustable, allowing them to dynamically adapt to different roll positions and sizes. This dynamic capability enables precise splicing while maintaining operational flexibility, managing complexity through adaptability rather than rigid fixed structures.

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

The device achieves automatic roll replacement, significantly reducing downtime and labor costs while improving productivity.

Implementation Method 1

The tape wrapping assembly is configured to wrap the adhesive tape around ends of two tab material strips supported on the tape wrapping platform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP4117077B1Tab roll changing device and winding apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 WUXI LEAD INTELLIGENT EQUIP CO LTD
  • EP4117077B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4117077B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4117077B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present application relates to a tab roll changing device and a winding apparatus. The tab roll changing device includes an unwinding mechanism; a roll mechanism, including a transfer plate, a first floating clamping assembly, a second floating clamping assembly, and a first fixed clamping assembly; a cutting mechanism for cutting off a tab material belt clamped by the first floating clamping assembly or the second floating clamping assembly and the first fixed clamping assembly; and a belt connecting mechanism for connecting the tab material belt output by the unwinding mechanism.