Multi-Electrode Cutting Layout for Safe Battery Module Disconnecting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for disconnecting aluminum pole pieces in decommissioned battery modules are inefficient, labor-intensive, and pose safety hazards due to the risk of short circuits and frequent saw blade replacement, leading to poor cutting effects and increased operational costs.

Innovation Solution

A device with multiple angle grinders arranged in a staggered layout, using a saw blade for cutting aluminum alloy, which allows for simultaneous cutting of multiple modules with adjustable spacing, reducing the need for frequent saw blade replacement and enhancing cutting efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual tools (pliers, shovels, angle grinder) are used to disconnect pole pieces, then labor intensity is reduced, but cutting efficiency is low and shapes after disconnecting are irregular

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelabor intensityVSAvoidcutting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tools (pliers, shovels, hand-held angle grinder) with an automated cutting device that uses a controlled cutting mechanism to disconnect pole pieces. This substitution maintains ease of operation while dramatically improving cutting efficiency and producing regular, standardized shapes suitable for subsequent milling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters from manual, variable-speed tool operation to automated, controlled cutting with fixed parameters. The cutting device operates at consistent speeds and angles, producing uniform disconnect shapes that improve both efficiency and quality compared to manual methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If hand-held angle grinder with resin saw blade is used for cutting, then portability is improved, but saw blade wears quickly and needs frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidtime for blade replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hand-held angle grinder with a fixed, automated cutting device that uses a more durable cutting mechanism. This eliminates the portability constraint while dramatically reducing blade wear and replacement frequency, as the automated system provides more stable and controlled cutting forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention moves away from using disposable resin saw blades that wear quickly. The automated cutting device employs a more durable cutting mechanism that maintains its cutting edge for extended periods, reducing the frequency of blade replacement and associated downtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If milling cutter passes through gap between cathodes and anodes to mill aluminum pole pieces, then milling efficiency is improved, but short circuit occurs and milling cutter anneals and scraps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemilling efficiencyVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by disconnecting the aluminum pole pieces through arch-shaped connections before the milling operation. This pre-disconnection prevents electrical continuity between adjacent batteries during milling, eliminating the risk of short circuits and cutter annealing while allowing efficient milling to proceed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the pole disconnection step as a separate, preliminary operation performed by the automated cutting device. By removing the electrical connection before milling, the system enables safe and efficient milling without the harmful short-circuit effect that would otherwise occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Device complexity

If manual pole disconnecting is performed, then equipment complexity is reduced, but pole disconnecting effect is poor and shapes are irregular

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment complexityVSAvoidpole disconnecting shape regularity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces simple manual tools with an automated cutting device that provides precise, controlled cutting action. This increase in equipment complexity is justified by the significant improvement in shape regularity and disconnect quality, which enables subsequent automated milling operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the cutting parameters from manual, variable conditions to automated, controlled parameters. The cutting device maintains consistent speed, angle, and depth, producing regular, standardized shapes that are suitable for subsequent milling operations, thereby improving manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The device significantly improves cutting efficiency and reduces operational costs by allowing simultaneous cutting of multiple modules with precise adjustments, minimizing the risk of short circuits and improving the safety and accuracy of the disconnecting process.

Implementation Method 1

a saw blade for cutting aluminum alloy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbrasion: Abrasion

Data Source

PatentEP4205903B1Cutting device for cutting off connections of multi-piece module electrodes
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 HUNAN BRUNP EV RECYCLING CO LTD
  • EP4205903B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4205903B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4205903B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a device for cutting connection of multi-piece module electrode which includes a stand, the stand is provided with a workbench and the workbench is connected with a height adjusting device. The device further includes an angle grinding device; the angle grinding device includes a polishing shaft and an angle grinder; the angle grinder is arranged on the polishing shaft, and the angle grinding device is provided with a saw blade. According to the characteristics of the module electrode, the angle grinding device is matched with the workbench to implement simultaneous electrode disconnecting operation of multiple electrodes of the module, so that the device not only has higher efficiency and better cutting effect, but also is suitable for universal saw blades, saves the cost, and is safer.