Battery Module Disassembly Grippers for Compact Pack Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The disassembly of traction battery modules after decommissioning is inefficient due to their compact and closely arranged nature, requiring significant manual labor and lacking compatible disassembly solutions for modules of different shapes and sizes.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a connecting rack with a first gripping device equipped with adjustable hooks, a second gripping device with movable locking elements, and a third gripping device with a sucker, allowing for automatic disassembly of traction battery modules with various structures, shapes, and sizes by replacing manual operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If battery modules are arranged compactly in the battery pack, then space utilization rate improves and overall safety and stability improve, but disassembly efficiency deteriorates and manual labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilization rateVSAvoiddisassembly efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The disassembly device is segmented into multiple independent gripping mechanisms (first gripping device with hooks, second gripping device with locking elements, third gripping device with sucker) that can independently engage with different parts of the battery module. This segmentation allows the system to handle compactly arranged modules efficiently by applying localized gripping forces at multiple points simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between compact arrangement and disassembly efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping devices incorporate movable components including adjustable hook positions, transverse and longitudinal movable locking elements, and a suction cup system with adjustable positioning. These dynamic elements enable the device to adapt to different battery module configurations and extract modules from compact arrangements without requiring excessive manual intervention, thereby maintaining high space utilization while improving disassembly efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If conventional disassembling equipment with fixed structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to battery modules with different shapes and sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidcompatibility with different battery modules
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The disassembly device integrates three different gripping mechanisms (hooks for protruding structures, locking elements for cylindrical grooves, and sucker for flat surfaces) into a single system. Each mechanism can be selectively activated depending on the battery module type, enabling one device to handle multiple module shapes and sizes. This multi-functionality approach maintains reasonable device complexity while achieving broad adaptability across different battery module configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking elements are designed to move both transversely and longitudinally along the connecting rack, allowing dynamic adjustment of their positioning and engagement depth. This dynamic capability enables the same device structure to adapt to battery modules of different dimensions and geometries without requiring multiple specialized devices, thus maintaining structural simplicity while achieving versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If manual operation is used for disassembly, then device complexity is reduced, but labor requirements increase and automation level deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation complexityVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The disassembly device is designed to automatically identify and engage with the battery module features (hooks engage with protruding structures, locking elements insert into cylindrical grooves, sucker adheres to flat surfaces) without requiring manual positioning or intervention. The gripping mechanisms self-adjust and self-engage based on the module's geometry, enabling automated operation while keeping the device structure relatively simple and avoiding the need for complex sensors or control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 efficient, automated disassembly of traction battery modules with different configurations, reducing manpower requirements and preventing damage to the modules, thereby improving safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the third gripping device comprises a sucker mounted on the connecting rack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4190495B1Apparatus for automatically disassembling power battery module
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 HUNAN BRUNP SCRAP CARS RECYCLING
  • EP4190495B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4190495B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4190495B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a device for automatically disassembling a traction battery module, the device comprising a connecting rack (100), a first gripping device (200), a second gripping device (300) and a third gripping device (400), wherein the first gripping device comprises a first hook set (210), a second hook set (220), a first driving assembly (230) and a second driving assembly (240), and the first hook set and the second hook set each are provided with a plurality of hooks (221) that are symmetrically arranged and movable relatively. The second gripping device comprises four locking elements (310) movably arranged on the connecting rack, a third driving assembly (320) and a fourth driving assembly (330), wherein the third driving assembly is configured to drive the locking elements to move transversely and longitudinally, the locking elements each comprise a sleeve (340) and a pull rod (350) movably connected in the sleeve (340), and the fourth driving assembly is configured to drive the pull rod to move; an end of a pull rod is provided with a fixed portion (360), and an end of a sleeve that abuts against the fixed portion is provided with a plurality of resilient movable plates (370). The third gripping device comprises a sucker (410) mounted on the connecting rack. The first gripping device, the second gripping device and the third gripping device are provided to disassemble traction battery modules with different structures, shapes and sizes, thereby replacing conventional manual operations and reducing the loss of manpower.