Pouch Battery Disassembly with Residual Voltage Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an efficient method to disassemble pouch type batteries for recycling, as existing methods do not safely and effectively separate components for reuse, leading to waste and potential chemical contamination.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a pouch type battery disassembling unit with a controller, battery input unit, pouch removal unit, and 3-stage separation unit, which checks residual voltages, removes the pouch, and separates the battery into cathode, anode, and separation membrane components, ensuring safe and efficient disassembly and recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual disassembly methods are used for pouch type batteries, then workers can handle batteries individually, but the process is time-consuming and exposes workers to chemical contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The disassembly process is divided into three distinct stages: (1) pouch removal stage where the outer pouch is cut and removed, (2) separation membrane removal stage where the membrane is peeled off, and (3) electrode plate separation stage where anode and cathode are separated. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently and performed automatically, improving both productivity and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated disassembly apparatus serves as an intermediary between the battery and the recycling process. The apparatus includes specialized components such as cutting units, separation units, and collection containers that handle the battery components systematically, eliminating direct human contact with hazardous materials while maintaining efficient processing.
2Loss of substance
If existing disassembly methods are used, then batteries can be broken down, but the separation of components is incomplete and recycling efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
Each component is extracted and separated in a dedicated stage: the pouch is removed first, then the separation membrane is extracted, and finally the electrode plates are separated into anode and cathode. This systematic extraction ensures complete separation of all components, maximizing recycling efficiency and minimizing material loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Different processing methods are applied to different parts of the battery based on their specific properties. The pouch receives cutting treatment, the separation membrane receives peeling treatment, and the electrode plates receive separation treatment. This localized approach ensures each component is handled optimally for maximum recycling efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If a simple disassembly process is used, then the process is easy to operate, but it cannot safely handle batteries with residual voltage
Solution Approach 1:
Before the actual disassembly begins, the battery undergoes preliminary processing including voltage measurement and discharging. The control unit measures the residual voltage and automatically discharges the battery if the voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold. This preliminary action eliminates safety hazards before the simple automated disassembly process proceeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors battery parameters during the disassembly process. Voltage measurement feedback determines whether discharging is needed before disassembly, and the control unit adjusts the disassembly process accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures safety while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
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 enables safe and efficient disassembly of pouch type batteries, achieving a recycling efficiency of 99% or more for high-value materials like nickel, cobalt, and lithium, while protecting workers from chemical contaminants and improving work efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an upper cover separator configured to adsorb an upper aluminum cover of the battery, from which four sides including the terraces T1 and T2 and the sides S1 and S2 are removed by cutting, using a high pressure, then separate and discharge the adsorbed upper aluminum cover; a lower cover separator configured to adsorb a lower cover of the battery rotated 180 degrees by the first rotator using pneumatic pressure, then separate and discharge the adsorbed lower cover
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses an apparatus for disassembling a pouch type battery that performs a pouch type battery separation process. The apparatus for disassembling a pouch type battery includes a pouch type battery disassembling unit configured to perform a process of transferring and disassembling the pouch type battery; and a controller configured to monitor an operating state of the pouch type battery disassembling unit and control the process of disassembling the pouch type battery by controlling an operation of the pouch type battery disassembling unit. The pouch type battery disassembling unit includes a battery input unit configured to check residual voltages of each of a plurality of input batteries, and divide the batteries on which the residual voltages have been checked into disassembly unsuitable batteries whose measured residual voltages are a predetermined allowable value or more and disassembly suitable batteries whose measured residual voltages are less than the predetermined allowable value, then discharge the disassembly unsuitable batteries to an outside; a pouch removal unit configured to remove a pouch of the disassembly suitable battery; and a 3-stage separation unit configured to separate the battery from which the pouch is removed into a separation membrane, an anode material, and a cathode material, respectively.