Variable Cutting Angle for Burr-Free Electrode Edges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting devices for coated electrode strips in battery manufacturing often produce edges with burrs, leading to potential short-circuits and self-discharge, which are costly to correct.

Innovation Solution

A cutting device with variable cutting angles achieved through a movable first blade and a fixed second blade, utilizing a support system with a hinge and actuator to adjust the cutting angle dynamically, and optionally a curved first blade, ensuring clean cuts by varying the cutting edge interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a fixed cutting angle is used with a stationary lower blade and vertically moving upper blade, then the cutting device structure is simple, but the cut edge quality deteriorates with burrs and sharp corners arising frequently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecut edge qualityVSAvoidcutting device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the cutting angle variable rather than fixed. The upper blade is equipped with a tilting mechanism that allows it to rotate around a hinge part, enabling the cutting angle to change dynamically during the cutting process. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to different cutting conditions and produce higher quality edges without requiring a completely complex redesign of the cutting device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying the cutting angle parameter during the cutting operation. Through the tilting mechanism with the hinge part and actuator, the cutting angle is changed from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted in real-time. This parameter change enables better control over the cutting process, reducing burrs and sharp corners while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the electrode strip is cut with a fixed cutting angle, then the cutting process is simple and fast, but the risk of short-circuits increases due to cutting burrs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery cell reliabilityVSAvoidcutting speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the dynamics principle to make the cutting angle adjustable during the cutting process. The tilting mechanism allows the upper blade to rotate and change its angle relative to the lower blade, enabling the system to optimize the cutting parameters in real-time. This dynamic capability ensures clean cuts that prevent short-circuits while maintaining efficient cutting speeds through controlled motion rather than requiring overly complex multi-axis positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If a curved first cutting edge is used to vary the cutting angle, then the cut edge quality improves, but the blade manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecut edge qualityVSAvoidblade manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the spheroidality principle by using a curved first cutting edge instead of a straight edge. This curved geometry naturally varies the cutting angle as the blade moves through the material, eliminating the need for complex tilting mechanisms. The curved shape is simpler to manufacture than precision-machined variable-angle mechanisms, while still achieving superior cut edge quality by progressively changing the effective cutting angle throughout the cut.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The curved cutting edge design embodies the curvature principle, where a simple geometric shape (the curve) inherently provides the variable cutting angle function. This approach trades the complexity of active angle-adjustment mechanisms for a passively variable angle achieved through the blade's geometry itself, which is easier to manufacture and maintains high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 produces high-quality, burr-free edges by dynamically adjusting the cutting angle, enhancing the manufacturing process and reducing the risk of battery failures.

Implementation Method 1

The actuator is a piezoelectric element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4574358A1Cutting device for cutting a coated electrode strip
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 AUTOMOTIVE CELLS CO SE
  • EP4574358A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4574358A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4574358A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The cutting device (10) comprises a first cutting tool (14) having a first blade (18) with a first cutting edge (20) and a second cutting tool (16) having a second blade (22) with a second cutting edge (24), the first blade (18) being movable relating to the second blade (22) so that the first cutting edge (20) and the second cutting edge (24) are intended to cooperate on at least one movable cutting point (26), with a cutting angle (α) defined between the first (20) and second (24) cutting edges at the cutting point (26). The cutting device (10) comprises means (30) for varying the cutting angle (α) at the cutting point (26) while the first (14) and second (16) cutting tools move relating to each other.