Z-Fold Electrode Assembly With Pre-Applied Separator Adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Z-folding type electrode assemblies in batteries face issues with electrodes being offset or displaced from their target positions due to inadequate adhesion with the separator sheet, leading to reduced adhesive strength and impaired heat transfer, especially when using separators with low adhesive strength.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for manufacturing electrode assemblies that involve a stacking table rotating between electrode supply units, a separator guide, and adhesive applicators to alternately arrange electrodes and fold a continuous separator sheet in a zigzag pattern, applying adhesive to specific portions of the separator sheet and electrodes to enhance adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If an additional lamination process is performed after stacking electrodes and separator sheet in Z-folding type, then adhesive strength between electrodes and separator sheet is improved, but overall thickness of stacked body increases which causes heat transfer to interior to be insufficient and adhesive strength to be lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies adhesive to the separator sheet before stacking the electrodes and separator sheet together. This preliminary application of adhesive ensures that when the Z-folding stacking is performed, the electrodes and separator sheet are already bonded, preventing offset without requiring an additional post-stacking lamination process. This resolves the contradiction by achieving adequate adhesion while maintaining the compact thickness of the stacked body.
2Strength
If additional lamination process is performed to improve adhesion, then adhesive strength is improved, but electrodes may be offset or displaced from target position during transfer of stacked body
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is applied to the separator sheet before the stacking process begins. This preliminary bonding action secures the electrodes to the separator sheet during the stacking and transfer operations, preventing any offset or displacement from the target position. The electrodes are firmly attached from the outset, eliminating the risk of movement during subsequent handling and transfer operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If no additional lamination process is performed after Z-folding stacking, then manufacturing process is simplified, but electrodes and separator sheet do not adhere sufficiently causing electrodes to offset or displace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adhesive application as a preliminary step before stacking, which integrates the bonding function into the stacking process itself. This eliminates the need for a separate post-stacking lamination process, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while ensuring reliable adhesion between electrodes and separator sheet from the beginning of the assembly process.
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
Prevents electrode displacement, maintains adhesive strength, and ensures efficient heat transfer by ensuring precise alignment and adhesion of electrodes and separator sheets, improving battery cell performance.
Implementation Method 1
applying adhesive to specific portions of the separator sheet and electrodes to enhance adhesion
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly for use in a battery, a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly for use in a battery, an electrode assembly for use in a battery and a battery cell comprising an electrode assembly. The apparatus comprises a first electrode supply unit configured to provide a plurality of first electrodes, a second electrode supply unit configured to provide a plurality of second electrodes and a separator supply unit configured to provide a continuous separator sheet. The apparatus further comprises a stacking table for stacking the first and second electrodes thereon with the separator sheet folded between the first and second electrodes to form the electrode assembly, the stacking table being configured to rotate back and forth between the first electrode supply unit and the second electrode supply unit. The apparatus also comprises a separator guide configured to guide the folding of the separator sheet and a first adhesive applicator configured to apply an adhesive to at least a part of the separator sheet located between the separator guide and the stacking table and/or to a first electrode arranged on the stacking table and/or a second electrode arranged on the stacking table.