Battery Module Adhesive Release for Low-Energy Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The disassembly of large-format lithium-ion battery modules is challenging due to the use of adhesives, which are difficult to separate once set, leading to costly, dangerous, and time-consuming processes, especially when trying to recycle or maintain these modules for root cause analysis, as they require maintaining the integrity of each part for effective recycling and warranty-related issues.
Innovation Solution
A method using a dielectric mixture, such as polyalphaolefins, fluorinated fluids, or synthetic esters, to break the bonded joints between members of the battery system, allowing for efficient disassembly without fasteners, by treating the battery system with a solvent that dissolves or swells the adhesives, enabling the separation of components without damaging them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesives are used to bond battery members together, then the battery module achieves stronger bonding and structural integrity, but the disassembly process becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a chemical solvent treatment process that changes the physical-chemical state of the adhesive bonds. The solvent penetrates and degrades the adhesive material, transforming the strong mechanical bond into a separable state, thereby enabling easy disassembly after strong bonding during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a chemical intermediary (solvent) that mediates between the bonded members. The solvent acts as a temporary agent that penetrates the adhesive joint, weakens the bond through chemical interaction, and enables separation without directly acting on the battery members themselves, thus facilitating disassembly while maintaining bonding strength during operation.
2Device complexity
If adhesives are used instead of fasteners, then the battery design achieves greater integration and fewer components, but the disassembly process requires more physical labor and energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical disassembly process (physical labor, force application) with a chemical process. Instead of mechanically forcing apart adhesive-bonded members, the solvent chemically degrades the adhesive, allowing members to separate with minimal mechanical force, thereby reducing disassembly energy requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the adhesive bond through solvent treatment. The solvent alters the adhesive's molecular structure and bonding characteristics, transforming it from a strong, permanent bond into a weakened, separable state, enabling low-energy disassembly while maintaining design integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different adhesives are used for various functions, then the battery module achieves multifunctional integration, but the disassembly process becomes more energy-intensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single solvent system that can effectively degrade multiple different types of adhesives used in the battery module. The solvent is formulated to have broad chemical compatibility, enabling it to break down various adhesive chemistries (structural, thermal, electrical) through a single treatment process, thereby simplifying disassembly while maintaining multifunctional adhesive integration.
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
This method allows for a cost-effective and safe disassembly of battery systems, facilitating recycling and maintenance by weakening the adhesive bonds, thus reducing the energy and labor required for disassembly and enabling the reuse of materials.
Implementation Method 1
treating the battery system with a dielectric mixture to remove or break the bonded joints or adhesive joints between the plurality of members
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided herein for disassembling a battery system. Further, systems and methods are provided herein for a battery apparatus configured for disassembly of a battery system. In addition, systems and methods are provided herein for preparing a battery system including a first plurality of members bonded with a first adhesive and a second plurality of members bonded with a second adhesive for disassembly of the battery system.