Battery Housing Access for Deep Discharge Beyond Protection Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable batteries cannot be completely discharged quickly, safely, and reliably due to integrated protection circuits that prevent discharge through regular contacts, necessitating complex and costly manual or automated disassembly to access cells for safe disposal.
Innovation Solution
A method involving determining the position of anode and cathode contact areas within the battery housing, partially opening the housing to expose these areas, and using discharge contacts to establish an electrical connection for safe and efficient deep discharge, which can be automated using detection units and controlled by a unit for precise positioning and opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complete discharge via standard battery terminals is attempted, then discharge can be achieved through normal means, but the integrated protection circuit or battery management system prevents discharge to protect the cells
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the discharge function from the standard protected terminal path by creating alternative access points through the housing. Discharge contacts are brought into direct contact with the anode and cathode contact areas through openings in the battery housing, bypassing the protection circuit that normally controls terminal discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces discharge contacts as intermediary elements that bridge the external discharge circuit and the internal cell contact areas. These contacts are positioned through the housing to establish electrical connection with the anode and cathode, serving as a mediator that enables discharge while maintaining housing integrity.
2Reliability
If complex or costly automated disassembly is used to access cells for discharge, then complete discharge can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by pre-positioning discharge contacts through the battery housing in a ready state. The contacts are arranged to align with the anode and cathode contact areas before discharge is initiated, eliminating the need for time-consuming disassembly operations at the moment of discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge contacts serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical access through the housing, establish electrical connection with the cells, and enable discharge without requiring full disassembly. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity and time of the discharge preparation process.
3Ease of operation
If the battery housing is opened to access contact areas, then direct electrical contact can be established for discharge, but the housing integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the housing opening process by creating localized openings or access points rather than opening the entire housing. The discharge contacts are positioned through these segmented openings to reach the anode and cathode contact areas, maintaining the overall structural integrity of the battery housing while providing necessary access.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by creating openings or access points only in specific locations of the housing where discharge contacts need to pass through. The housing maintains its original integrity in all other areas, with modifications localized only to the necessary access points for the discharge contacts.
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
Enables rapid, safe, and reliable deep discharge of batteries of various types, simplifying the process and reducing the risk of damage or fire, while allowing for efficient energy recovery and recycling.
Implementation Method 1
discharging the cell or cell arrangement by means of discharge contacts via the exposed contact areas of the anode and the cathode
Data Source
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AI summary
The object of the present invention is to provide a method that enables rapid, safe, and reliable battery discharge. The method should be suitable for discharging different types and designs of batteries. A method for deep discharging a battery (1), wherein the battery (1) comprises at least one cell or cell assembly (3) arranged in a battery housing (2), comprising at least the following steps: a. Determining data regarding the respective position (A) of the anode contact area (4) and the cathode contact area (5) of the cell or cell assembly (3), b. Partially opening (B) the battery housing (2) and thus exposing the contact areas of the anode (4) and cathode (5) of the cell or cell assembly (3) based on the determined data, c.Discharge (C) of the cell or cell arrangement (3) by means of discharge contacts (6) via the exposed contact areas of the anode (4) and the cathode (5) of the cell or cell arrangement (3) by means of the discharge contacts (6).