Foil Conveying and Compression for Battery Recycling Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual collection of cleaned foils from old battery cells results in low collection efficiency and increased recycling costs during the recycling process of secondary batteries.

Innovation Solution

A foil recovery apparatus comprising a base, a conveying device with a conveyor belt and rollers, and a collecting device with a storage bin and pressing mechanism, designed to automate the collection and dewatering process of aluminum and copper foils, ensuring efficient foil recovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual collection of cleaned foils is used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but collection efficiency is low and recycling costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoil collection efficiencyVSAvoidcollection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collecting device automatically performs foil collection, compression, and storage without manual intervention. The conveying device transports foils automatically from the cleaning area to the storage bin, and the pressing plate automatically compresses the foils, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate the need for manual collection operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical collection with an automated mechanical system consisting of a conveying device with rollers and a collecting device with a pressing mechanism. This substitution of manual labor with automated mechanical systems resolves the contradiction by improving collection efficiency while maintaining reasonable device complexity through straightforward mechanical design

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

2Productivity

If manual foil collection is used, then equipment investment is reduced, but recycling costs increase due to low efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoil collection speedVSAvoidsystem implementation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The collection system is divided into distinct functional modules: a conveying device with multiple rollers for transport, a collecting device with a storage bin and pressing plate for compression, and a controlling device for coordination. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured and assembled independently, facilitating easier implementation while achieving high collection speed through automated operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters from manual handling to automated mechanical operation. The conveying rollers provide continuous motion at controlled speeds, and the pressing plate applies automated compression forces, transforming the collection process from slow manual operations to rapid automated cycles, thereby improving productivity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If foils are not compressed during collection, then device complexity is reduced, but storage space requirements increase and handling efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoil handling efficiencyVSAvoidcompression mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compression function is merged into the collecting device itself, where the pressing plate is integrated with the storage bin structure. This merging of storage and compression functions into a single unit resolves the contradiction by improving handling efficiency through automated compression without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as the pressing mechanism shares the same structural space as the storage container

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 apparatus enhances foil collection efficiency and reduces recycling costs by automating the process, improving the handling and dewatering of foils from old battery cells.

Implementation Method 1

a conveyor belt... driven around the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller for transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the pressing plate is operable to enter the receiving cavity through the first opening to compress the foil within the receiving cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4614673A1Foil recovery apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 XIAMEN HITHIUM ENERGY STORAGE TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP4614673A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4614673A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4614673A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A foil recovery apparatus is provided and includes a base, a conveying device, and a collecting device. The conveying device includes a conveyor belt and a first roller set. The first roller set includes a first conveying roller and a second conveying roller. The conveyor belt is driven around the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller for transmission. The collecting device includes a storage bin and a carrying platform. The storage bin includes a pushing plate and defines a receiving cavity. The storage bin defines a first opening. The pushing plate and the first opening are located on two opposite sides of the receiving cavity, respectively, and the first opening is opposite to the pushing plate. The carrying platform includes a pressing plate. The storage bin is disposed at one side of the second conveying roller away from the first conveying roller.