Variable-Ring Bobbin Support for Wrinkle-Free Electrode Rolls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrode manufacturing processes face challenges in reducing wrinkles and thickness differences between coated and non-coated portions of electrodes, which can lead to defects during the winding process.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves an electrode manufacturing apparatus that includes a variable ring fitted to a bobbin, allowing the ring to move in the longitudinal direction and correspond to the position of non-coated portions between coated electrode regions. This setup reduces the level difference between coated and non-coated areas, minimizing wrinkles and thickness-related defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single current collector is coated with a plurality of electrodes and stored by being wound around a bobbin, then efficiency of the electrode coating process is improved, but the non-coated portion between the electrodes becomes wrinkled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode coating process efficiencyVSAvoidsurface flatness of non-coated portion
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing a support structure specifically at the non-coated portion of the current collector, rather than supporting the entire surface uniformly. This localized support prevents wrinkling only where needed (at the non-coated portion) while allowing the coated portions to maintain their electrode structure. The support member is positioned to correspond to the non-coated portion, providing targeted structural reinforcement to resolve the surface flatness issue without interfering with the electrode coating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If the non-coated portion is supported to prevent wrinkles, then surface flatness is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface flatness of non-coated portionVSAvoidstructure of bobbin and support system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the support function into discrete support members that are positioned at specific locations corresponding to non-coated portions, rather than using a continuous support structure across the entire current collector. This segmented approach reduces overall structural complexity while still providing the necessary support to prevent wrinkling. The support members can be independently positioned and removed, simplifying the overall system compared to a fully integrated support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4246605B1Apparatus for producing electrode and electrode roll
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4246605B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4246605B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)
  • EP4246605B1 patent drawingFigure 4(a)~5b

AI summary

An electrode roll including a bobbin having a variable ring positioned to correspond to a position of a non-coated portion.