Vacuum Separator Clamping for Precise Electrode Assembly Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for manufacturing electrode assemblies for rechargeable batteries face challenges in accurately aligning and fixing separators, leading to potential misalignment and defects in the assembly process.

Innovation Solution

A separator clamping device is introduced, featuring a body portion with vacuum passages connected to a vacuum providing device, and first and second separator fixing portions that utilize vacuum suction holes to securely fix the separator on the upper and side surfaces of the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional mechanical clamping methods are used to fix the separator, then the device structure is simple, but the separator alignment precision deteriorates leading to misalignment and defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparator alignment precisionVSAvoidclamping device structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical clamping systems with a vacuum suction system. The separator fixing portions use vacuum suction holes to hold the separator in place, eliminating the need for complex mechanical clamps and achieving precise alignment through uniform vacuum distribution across the separator surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatic principles by using vacuum suction through connected vacuum sources. The vacuum passages distribute suction force uniformly across multiple fixing portions, enabling precise separator positioning without mechanical contact, thus improving alignment precision while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If multiple vacuum suction holes are used to improve separator fixation, then the fixation reliability improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparator fixation reliabilityVSAvoiddevice manufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the separator fixation function into multiple independent vacuum suction holes distributed across different fixing portions. Each suction hole contributes to the overall fixation reliability, and the segmented structure allows for modular manufacturing and assembly, balancing reliability improvement with manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If vacuum suction is used to fix the separator, then the separator positioning accuracy improves, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparator positioning accuracyVSAvoidvacuum system energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses multiple vacuum suction holes that collectively provide sufficient holding force with individual holes operating at partial capacity. This distributed approach achieves accurate positioning while distributing energy consumption across multiple low-power suction points rather than requiring high energy input from a single source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 separator clamping device effectively prevents separator misalignment and defects by ensuring secure vacuum fixation, thereby improving the quality and reducing the number of defective electrode assemblies produced.

Implementation Method 1

a first separator fixing portion connected to the vacuum passage and fixing a separator onto an upper surface of the body portion by a vacuum suction method, and a second separator fixing portion connected to the vacuum passage and fixing the separator onto a side surface of the body portion by a vacuum suction method

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS20250128373A1Separator clamping device, and method and system for manufacturing electrode assembly for rechargeable battery using same

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

AI summary

A separator clamping device includes a body portion including a vacuum passage, the vacuum passage being connected to a vacuum device, a first separator fixing portion on an upper surface of the body portion, the first separator fixing portion being connected to the vacuum passage and being configured to fix a separator onto the upper surface of the body portion by a vacuum suction, and a second separator fixing portion on a side surface of the body portion, the second separator fixing portion being connected to the vacuum passage and being configured to fix the separator onto the side surface of the body portion by a vacuum suction.