Battery Module Separation Tool for Corroded Pack Disassembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The disassembly of large and heavy battery modules in energy storage arrangements, such as those used in heavy-duty vehicles and marine vessels, is challenging due to potential corrosion and sticking of interfaces, requiring excessive force that can damage the modules.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a separation tool with a threaded pusher device that aligns with a rod extending through the battery packs, allowing controlled rotation to separate the modules without direct contact, using threaded connections and sleeves to facilitate disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If battery modules are connected tightly for stability and security, then structural stability is improved, but disassembly becomes difficult due to corrosion and sticking interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddisassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a separation tool that divides the disassembly process into controlled segments: first connecting the separation tool to the battery module, then systematically pushing connecting rods one by one using the threaded pusher device. This segmentation allows the heavy battery modules to be separated in manageable steps rather than requiring excessive force applied all at once.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separation tool acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the tightly connected battery modules. The threaded pusher device serves as a mediator that converts rotational motion into linear pushing force, enabling controlled separation of the connecting rods without direct manual handling of the heavy modules or risk of interface damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If excessive force is applied to separate corroded battery modules, then disassembly is achieved, but damage to battery modules occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisassembly capabilityVSAvoidmodule integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary actions by first connecting the separation tool to the battery module through bolts before attempting to separate the connecting rods. The threaded pusher device is pre-positioned and aligned with each rod, ensuring that the pushing force is applied centrally and uniformly. This preliminary preparation prevents misalignment and concentrated stress that could damage the battery module interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The separation tool design incorporates a block structure with distributed bolt connections that spread the connection forces across multiple attachment points. This distributes the stress and prevents concentrated loads on any single interface, cushioning against potential damage during the separation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Quantity of substance

If battery modules are made large for sufficient energy storage, then energy capacity is improved, but handling and disassembly become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage capacityVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The separation tool is designed to counterbalance the weight of the heavy battery modules during disassembly. By providing a stable base and distributed connection points, the tool creates a mechanical advantage that offsets the substantial weight of the large energy storage modules, allowing operators to manipulate and separate them without excessive physical effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The separation tool replicates the connection geometry of the battery module interfaces, with the block and bolt arrangement mirroring the module's attachment pattern. This copying of the interface geometry ensures proper alignment and distributes forces appropriately, making handling of the large modules easier and more controlled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 safe disassembly of battery modules with reduced force, preventing damage and improving the disassembly process by using a threaded pusher device to separate interconnected battery packs.

Implementation Method 1

a threaded pusher device (16) which is rotatable about the second rod (90') and which has a pushing member (16b)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

rotating the threaded pusher device such that the pushing force from the pushing-member moves the first rod inwardly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4574338A1A method for disassembling a first and a second battery module
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4574338A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4574338A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4574338A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method for disassembling a first and a second battery module (2, 3) in an energy storage arrangement, the first and second battery modules each comprising at least one battery pack, wherein the battery pack of the first battery module comprises a first rod (90) extending through a through hole at a transverse side of the battery pack, the method comprising; - providing a separation tool (10) to the laterally outer side of the first battery module, the separation tool comprising a threaded through hole wherein a threaded pusher device is guided; - aligning the threaded pusher device (16) with a second end portion of the first rod and connecting the separation tool to the laterally outer side of the first battery modules; - rotating the threaded pusher device such that the pushing force from the pushing-member moves the first rod inwardly, thereby causing the first battery module to move away from the second battery module.