Battery Pack Slag Melting for Metal Recovery Without Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing processing methods for battery packs are time-consuming and require significant man-hours, and when dealing with high-voltage battery packs, operators must perform cumbersome operations to prevent electric shock during disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A processing method that involves covering the battery pack with slag at a predetermined temperature, typically 700°C or higher, eliminating the need for disassembly by using an electric furnace to melt and separate metals from the pack, thereby reducing processing time and operator risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the battery pack is disassembled into components for processing, then the valuable metal can be collected and recycled, but it takes time and man-hours to disassemble the battery pack
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential processing step (melting and metal collection) from the complete disassembly process. By applying slag directly to the intact battery pack, the method extracts the metal recovery function while eliminating the time-consuming disassembly steps, achieving both metal collection and time reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the processing into two distinct phases: first, direct slag application to the intact battery pack for rapid metal extraction; second, separate processing of non-metallic components. This segmentation allows the metal recovery process to proceed independently and simultaneously with other component handling, reducing total processing time
2Loss of substance
If the battery pack is disassembled into components for processing, then the valuable metal can be collected and recycled, but it requires significant man-hours for disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the metal recovery function from the disassembly process by applying slag directly to the intact battery pack. This allows metal extraction to occur independently of component disassembly, significantly reducing manual labor requirements while maintaining effective metal recovery
Solution Approach 2:
The slag performs multiple functions simultaneously: it melts the battery pack housing, separates metals from non-metals, and collects valuable metals through gravity settling. This self-service capability of the slag eliminates the need for manual disassembly operations, improving processing efficiency
3Ease of manufacture
If operators disassemble high-voltage battery packs, then components can be processed, but operators must wear protective equipment to prevent electric shock
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the hazardous high-voltage components from the processing sequence by applying slag directly to the intact battery pack. The extreme heat of the slag immediately neutralizes electrical hazards, allowing subsequent component processing to proceed without protective equipment while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful high-voltage electricity into a beneficial effect by using the extreme heat from the slag to immediately neutralize electrical hazards. The same thermal energy that melts the battery pack also eliminates the electric shock risk, transforming a danger into a safety mechanism
4Loss of time
If the battery pack is covered with slag at high temperature, then processing is simplified and time is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the slag multi-functional: it serves as both the heating source for melting the battery pack and as the collection medium for valuable metals. By combining these functions in a single step, the process reduces total energy consumption compared to separate heating and collection operations while maintaining rapid processing
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
This method allows for easy processing of battery packs by simplifying the retrieval of metals without disassembly, reducing time and man-hours, and eliminating the need for protective equipment, even for high-voltage packs, while also reducing material and energy costs and emissions.
Implementation Method 1
a step of covering the battery pack with a slag that is at a predetermined temperature
Implementation Method 2
melt and separate metals from the pack
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a processing method of a battery pack that includes at least a battery body and a resin. The processing method includes a step of covering the battery pack with a slag that is at a predetermined temperature.