Energy Cell Case Cleaving for Controlled Battery Disassembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for disassembling electrochemical energy cells, such as batteries, often result in inconsistent cutting depths, damage to internal components, and scattered debris, posing risks during manufacturing quality assurance and warranty analysis.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving a device that securely clamps the energy cell and uses a cutting tool in a controlled linear or rotational motion to cleave the outer case, minimizing damage to internal components and debris, employing a moveable table with a worm gear and a clamping vise to position the cutting tool accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a handheld rotary cutting tool is used to cut the outer case, then the disassembly process is simple and quick, but the cutting depth becomes inconsistent and internal components may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting process is segmented into multiple controlled passes rather than a single handheld operation. The linear cutting machine divides the cutting action into systematic segments that can be precisely controlled, ensuring consistent depth while maintaining efficiency through automated multi-stage processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual handheld rotary cutting tool is replaced with an automated linear cutting machine system. This substitution transitions from manual mechanical control to an automated mechanical system with precise positioning capabilities, eliminating human error in cutting depth while maintaining high productivity through automated operation.
2Ease of operation
If a handheld rotary cutting tool is used, then the operation is flexible and easy to perform, but cutting debris scatters and internal components may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A controlled cutting environment with debris containment mechanisms is introduced as an intermediary between the cutting tool and the surrounding area. This intermediary system captures and contains cutting debris, preventing it from scattering while allowing the cutting operation to proceed efficiently with consistent depth control.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible but uncontrolled handheld tool operation is replaced with a structured automated cutting system. This system maintains ease of operation through automation while implementing controlled debris management, eliminating the scattering problem inherent in manual operations.
3Productivity
If cutting depth is increased to remove the outer case efficiently, then productivity improves, but damage to internal components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The case removal process is segmented into multiple controlled cutting passes at predetermined depths. Rather than attempting to remove the entire case in one deep cut, the system makes several shallower cuts that collectively achieve the same result without risking damage to internal components, thereby maintaining both productivity and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting depth is controlled to be partially sufficient for each individual pass, removing only the necessary portion of the case at each stage. This partial action approach prevents excessive cutting that could damage internal components while maintaining overall productivity through multiple efficient passes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for disassembling a energy cell having a case includes a energy cell securement device arranged on a moveable table; and a cutting tool. The energy cell securement device is configured to fixedly secure the energy cell with a portion of the case exposed proximal to the cutting tool. The moveable table is configured to convey the energy cell securement device such that the cutting tool cleaves the portion of the case of the energy cell.