Foil Conveying and Compression for Automated Battery Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual collection of foils from recycled secondary battery cells results in low efficiency and increased costs, as the foils are coated with electrode materials and require manual cleaning and collection.
Innovation Solution
A foil recovery apparatus comprising a base, conveying device, and collecting device, which includes a conveyor belt, pressing belt, and dewatering assembly to automate the collection process, ensuring efficient conveyance, dewatering, and compression of foils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual collection of foils is used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but collection efficiency is low and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The foil collection system performs self-service through automated conveyance, dewatering, and compression functions. The conveyor belt automatically transports foils, the dewatering assembly removes water, and the compression mechanism compactes foils, eliminating the need for manual collection operations while maintaining system simplicity through integrated automated functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple collection functions (conveyance, dewatering, compression) into a single integrated collecting device. The conveyor belt, dewatering assembly, and compression mechanism work together as one unified system, improving efficiency while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices.
2Productivity
If foils are cleaned manually, then equipment investment is reduced, but labor costs increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated dewatering assembly that uses mechanical pressure and filtration. The dewatering assembly includes a dewatering plate, filter screen, and squeezing rollers that automatically remove water from foils, substituting manual labor with automated mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The dewatering assembly changes the physical parameters of the foil by applying pressure and using filtration to remove water. The squeezing rollers apply mechanical pressure to extract water, and the filter screen captures water particles, transforming the foil from a wet state to a drier state through parameter changes.
3Productivity
If automated conveyance and collection is implemented, then collection efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt system serves multiple functions: it conveys foils from the cleaning area, supports the dewatering assembly, and transports foils to the compression zone. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate conveyance mechanisms, improving efficiency while limiting complexity growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical space by positioning the dewatering assembly above the conveyor belt and using vertical compression motion. The squeezing rollers apply pressure from above, and the collection bin receives foils from above, utilizing the vertical dimension to organize functions without increasing horizontal footprint or system complexity.
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, ensuring effective dewatering and compression of foils, including aluminum, copper, and silver foils.
Implementation Method 1
the conveyor belt is driven around the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller for transmission
Implementation Method 2
the dewatering assembly is configured to dewater the foil conveyed by the conveying device
Implementation Method 3
the pressing plate is operable to enter the receiving cavity through the first opening to compress the foil within the receiving cavity along with the pushing plate
Data Source
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.