Winding Machine Electrostatic Charge Control for Battery Films

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing winding machines are not suitable for winding battery separator films without risking damage due to electrostatic charging, which can lead to electrostatic discharge and material destruction.

Innovation Solution

A winding machine with a system for adjusting and reducing electrostatic charge, featuring an electrostatic discharge/charging device with active positive and negative electrodes and a sensor electrode arrangement, integrated into the feed device and cross-cutting unit, to control and minimize electrostatic charging during the winding process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional winding machine is used to wind battery separator films, then the winding process can be performed, but electrostatic charging occurs that can lead to electrostatic discharge and damage the film material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm material integrityVSAvoidelectrostatic discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies ionization electrodes that generate ions to neutralize the electrostatic charge on the battery separator film. The harmful electrostatic charge is converted into a beneficial neutralization process, where positive and negative ions are used to cancel out the accumulated charge, preventing electrostatic discharge while maintaining the winding process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The ionization electrodes act as an intermediary between the electrostatic charge buildup and the film material. Instead of allowing direct electrostatic discharge to damage the film, the ionization electrodes introduce ions as a mediating substance that neutralizes the charge, preventing direct contact between the harmful electrostatic energy and the sensitive film material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If an electrostatic charge adjustment system is added to the winding machine, then electrostatic discharge can be prevented, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrostatic charge controlVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ionization electrodes are integrated into the existing winding machine structure, allowing the same component to serve multiple functions: the electrodes both generate ions for charge neutralization and are positioned to work in conjunction with the winding mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate, dedicated electrostatic control devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The electrostatic charge adjustment system is merged with the feed device and cross-cutting unit of the winding machine. By combining the ionization function with existing structural elements, the patent avoids adding a completely separate system, thus reducing the overall space requirements and simplifying the integration process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Effectively prevents electrostatic discharge that can damage the film material, optimizing the winding process and reducing costs and space requirements by using a compact system to manage electrostatic charges.

Implementation Method 1

a system for adjusting and reducing an electrostatic charge on the web-like material during the winding process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Implementation Method 2

an electrostatic discharge/charging device with active positive and negative electrodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic charging: Electrostatic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3553002B1Winding machine for web materials and method for operating such a winding machine
Publication Date: 2023.07.05 GEMA SWITZERLAND GMBH
  • EP3553002B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3553002B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3553002B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a winding machine for web-shaped materials (2), in particular film materials, with a feeding device and at least one winding shaft which is driveable and designed to receive a winding sleeve for winding the web-shaped material, wherein the winding machine is associated with a system (4) for adjusting and/or reducing an electrostatic charge of the web-shaped material (2) during the winding process.