Battery Cover Gripper with Push-Off Units for Robotic Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manual methods for disassembling battery unit covers are hazardous, time-consuming, and not suitable for automation due to the increasing weight and high-voltage hazards of modular electric drive systems, and existing automated methods are complex and limited to specific housing designs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a gripper mounted on a handling unit, such as a robot, with release units and actuators that automate the disassembly process by lifting the cover using ejection elements supported by support elements, allowing adaptation to different battery unit sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual methods are used for disassembling battery unit covers, then flexibility and adaptability to different battery types are maintained, but workplace safety risks increase due to heavy weight and high-voltage hazards
Solution Approach 1:
A robot arm serves as an intermediary between the operator and the battery unit, performing the dangerous disassembly tasks. The gripper with release units is mounted on the robot arm to automatically detach the cover, eliminating direct human contact with heavy components and high-voltage areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The release units are designed to automatically engage with and detach from the battery unit cover through automated actuation. The system performs the disassembly operation autonomously without requiring manual intervention, enabling the battery unit to be serviced by an automated system rather than human workers.
2Productivity
If manual disassembly methods are used, then adaptability to different battery system designs is possible, but the disassembly process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is divided into multiple independent release units, each capable of independently engaging with and detaching the cover. This segmentation allows the system to handle different battery unit configurations by activating only the necessary release units, improving productivity while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The release units are designed with movable components that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation to engage with different battery unit cover configurations. The robot arm provides dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing the system to adapt to various battery types while maintaining high disassembly speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing automated methods using roller cutters are employed, then disassembly automation is achieved, but the method becomes complex and limited to specific housing designs
Solution Approach 1:
The release units are designed with universal engagement capabilities that can interface with different battery unit cover designs. The robot arm and gripper system can be programmed to handle multiple battery types, making the system universally applicable while maintaining relatively simple mechanical structures compared to specialized roller cutter systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a roller cutter that cuts through adhesive seams from the outside, the release units engage with the cover from below and lift it off. This inverted approach simplifies the disassembly mechanism while increasing adaptability to different housing designs, avoiding the complexity of precision cutting tools.
4Loss of time
If the battery unit cover is manually moved to storage location, then exposure of battery modules is achieved, but the process is strenuous and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The disassembly and transport functions are merged into a single automated operation. The robot arm with the gripper not only detaches the cover but also immediately transports it to the storage location, eliminating the separate manual handling steps and reducing both time and operational effort.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention comprises a gripper for the automated disassembly of a cover of a battery unit, comprising an interface for mounting the gripper on a handling unit, in particular a robot, a support frame and a plurality of push-off units with which the cover can be detached from a housing of the battery unit, wherein the push-off units each comprise a push-off element which can be moved under a contour of the cover, an actuator and a support element, wherein the push-off element can be lifted by means of the actuator, while the push-off unit is supported on a counter element via the support element.