Pouch Battery Disassembly with Voltage Screening and 3-Stage Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an efficient and safe method to disassemble pouch type batteries for recycling, as existing methods do not effectively separate components for efficient recycling and pose risks to workers due to chemical contaminants.
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 materials, utilizing conveyors, cutters, rotators, and pneumatic systems to manage the disassembly process and prevent fires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple disassembly method is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and separation efficiency of battery components deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The disassembly device is divided into three independent functional modules: a pouch removal unit that cuts and removes the battery pouch, a 3-stage separation unit that separates components at three distinct levels (electrode plates, separation membranes, and active materials), and a collection system. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function with high precision without requiring the entire system to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate processing stages between the initial disassembly and final component separation. The pouch removal unit acts as an intermediary that prepares the battery by removing the pouch, and the 3-stage separation unit provides intermediate separation levels, with each stage preparing materials for the next stage, thereby achieving high precision through a structured multi-step process rather than a single complex operation.
2Ease of operation
If manual disassembly is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity and worker safety deteriorate due to chemical contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The disassembly device performs operations that would otherwise require manual labor, making the system serve itself by automatically executing the disassembly process. The automated cutting, separation, and collection functions eliminate the need for workers to manually handle hazardous battery components, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while dramatically improving productivity and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical disassembly operations with an automated mechanical system. The pouch removal unit uses automated cutting mechanisms, and the 3-stage separation unit employs automated separation technologies, substituting human labor with machine systems that can handle hazardous materials safely while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
3Productivity
If complete disassembly is performed on all batteries, then the recycling efficiency is improved, but the loss of time increases due to voltage checking and sorting
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary voltage checking and sorting of batteries before they enter the main disassembly process. By pre-screening batteries to identify those suitable for disassembly versus those requiring different handling, the system prepares materials in advance, preventing unnecessary disassembly operations and optimizing the overall recycling efficiency without significant time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial disassembly actions based on battery condition assessment. Not all batteries undergo the complete 3-stage separation process; instead, the system performs disassembly only on batteries that meet specific criteria (e.g., voltage thresholds), applying the full disassembly process selectively rather than universally, thereby improving recycling efficiency while minimizing unnecessary time expenditure on unsuitable batteries.
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
a battery input unit configured to check residual voltages of each of a plurality of input batteries
Implementation Method 2
utilizing conveyors, cutters, rotators, and pneumatic systems to manage the disassembly process
Data Source
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.