Laminated Battery Unsealing by Inert-Gas Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for disassembling laminated batteries face challenges in cutting the laminate film without contacting the electrode body, which can lead to short circuits, and the use of cutting tools in an oxygen-rich atmosphere risks electrolyte combustion.

Innovation Solution

A method involving heating the laminated battery in a sealed chamber filled with inert gas to unseal the laminate, using temperatures above the melting point of the sealing material to melt or soften it, thereby avoiding direct contact with the electrode body and preventing electrolyte combustion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a cutting tool is used to cut the laminate film, then the laminate film can be separated from the electrode body, but the cutting tool may contact the electrode body causing short circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of disassemblyVSAvoidrisk of short circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cutting system with a thermal system. Instead of using a cutting tool to mechanically separate the laminate film, the invention uses heating to melt or soften the sealing material, causing the laminate to automatically unseal and separate from the electrode body. This substitution eliminates the risk of tool contact while maintaining disassembly effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the sealing material by altering temperature parameters. By heating the laminated battery to a temperature above the melting point of the sealing material, the material transitions from a solid sealed state to a melted/softened state, causing automatic unsealing. This parameter change enables easy separation without mechanical contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If a cutting tool is used in an oxygen-rich atmosphere, then the laminate film can be cut, but the electrolyte may combust

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of disassemblyVSAvoidelectrolyte combustion risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies an inert atmosphere (nitrogen or carbon dioxide) to replace the oxygen-rich environment during the heating process. This inert environment prevents oxidation and combustion of the electrolyte while allowing the heating-induced unsealing to proceed safely. The inert atmosphere acts as a protective medium that eliminates the harmful combustion risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Ease of operation

If heating temperature is increased above the melting point of sealing material, then the laminate unseals easily, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of unsealingVSAvoidheating energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the phase transition of the sealing material from solid to liquid/melted state at its melting point. By heating to just above this transition temperature, the sealing material loses its structural integrity and the laminate automatically unseals. This approach uses the minimum necessary energy to trigger the phase change rather than excessive heating

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The heating process triggers self-unsealing of the laminate. Once the sealing material melts or softens due to heating, the internal pressure and structural changes automatically cause the laminate to open without requiring additional mechanical force or energy input. The system uses the thermal energy to initiate a self-completing unsealing process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 method allows for easy disassembly of laminated batteries without short circuits and electrolyte combustion, facilitating safe and efficient resource recovery.

Implementation Method 1

heating the laminated battery until at least the laminate is unsealed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

using temperatures above the melting point of the sealing material to melt or soften it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS20260031423A1Method and apparatus for disassembling laminated battery

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 PRIME PLANET ENERGY & SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A method for disassembling a laminated battery includes: preparing a laminated battery including a laminate, an electrode body enclosed in the laminate, and an electrolyte enclosed in the laminate; and heating the laminated battery until at least the laminate is unsealed.