Modular Automated Disassembly System for Portable Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual disassembly of portable electronic devices is inefficient, inexact, and poses safety risks due to the complexity and hazardous materials involved, such as heavy metals, making large-scale recycling challenging.
Innovation Solution
A modular automated system with adjustable disassembly stations and tools that use computer-controlled processes to precisely separate displays from housings and remove components, adapting to different device dimensions and shapes through physical attribute characterization and robotic manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual disassembly techniques are used, then flexibility in handling different device types is maintained, but processing efficiency and safety deteriorate due to the large volume of devices and hazardous materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical disassembly with an automated robotic system that uses computer vision for detection and robotic manipulators for precise disassembly operations. This substitution eliminates human exposure to hazardous materials while dramatically increasing processing throughput capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic device identification and characterization capabilities that allow the disassembly system to self-adjust parameters based on detected device properties. The robotic system autonomously navigates and performs disassembly without human intervention, serving itself through integrated sensing and control.
2Productivity
If automated disassembly systems are implemented, then processing speed and consistency improve, but system complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal disassembly system capable of handling multiple device types through reconfigurable robotic end-effectors and adaptive control algorithms. The same core system can process smartphones, tablets, and other portable electronics by loading appropriate tool configurations, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated disassembly lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary device characterization using computer vision and sensing before disassembly begins. This preliminary detection of device geometry, fastener locations, and component layouts allows the system to pre-plan the disassembly sequence, reducing real-time complexity during actual disassembly operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If device-specific disassembly procedures are used, then disassembly precision improves, but processing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic disassembly system that adapts its procedure in real-time based on detected device properties. The robotic controller dynamically adjusts tool positions, forces, and sequences according to the specific device geometry and fastener configurations detected during scanning, achieving device-specific precision without pre-programming each device type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates continuous feedback from sensors and vision systems during the disassembly process. Real-time detection of component positions and disassembly progress allows the controller to adjust subsequent actions, ensuring precise fastener removal and component separation while optimizing the sequence to minimize processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a method is described that can include based on dimensions of a first housing of a first portable electronic device, adjusting a position of an adjustable supporting member capable of supporting the first housing relative to a disassembly station. The method can further include using the disassembly station, separating a first display from the first housing while the first housing is supported by the adjustable support member. The method can further include receiving a second portable electronic device, where the second portable electronic device includes a second housing having dimensions that are different than the first housing. The method can further include based on the dimensions of the second housing, adjusting the position of the adjustable supporting member. The method can further include using the disassembly station, separating a second display from the second housing while the second housing is supported by the adjustable support member.