Robot Battery Disassembly Using Sensing-Guided End Effector Trajectories

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual dismantling of electric vehicle batteries requires high expertise and precision, posing challenges in safely and efficiently processing the large volume of waste batteries due to the surge in demand, necessitating an automated solution for accurate diagnosis and discharge of remaining current.

Innovation Solution

A battery processing system utilizing a robot system controlled by an artificial intelligence engine that grips and disassembles battery components, determines trajectories for end effectors to connect and disconnect connectors, and performs tasks based on sensing data to automate the dismantling process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual dismantling is performed by experts, then precision and safety are improved, but productivity is reduced and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedismantling precisionVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors to automatically detect battery components and their positions, eliminating the need for manual inspection by experts. The robot autonomously identifies connectors, fastening members, and battery components through sensing data, achieving both precision and high-speed automated processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated robot system that uses sensors for detection and robotic manipulators for dismantling actions. This substitution maintains precision through controlled mechanical movements while dramatically increasing processing speed and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated robot system is implemented, then productivity is improved and labor costs are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing throughputVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot system is designed with multi-functional capabilities, using the same robotic manipulator and sensor system for multiple tasks including detecting connectors, removing fastening members, and separating battery components. This universal approach increases productivity while managing device complexity through resource sharing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system acts as an intermediary between sensors and robotic manipulators, processing sensing data to identify component positions and generating control signals for precise dismantling operations. This intermediary layer manages system complexity by providing a centralized coordination point

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensors and robot apparatus are used for accurate battery diagnosis and dismantling, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent location accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is designed to perform multiple detection functions using integrated sensor arrays that can identify connector positions, fastening member locations, and battery component boundaries simultaneously. This multi-functional sensing approach improves measurement precision across all components while managing system complexity through unified sensor architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4527566A1Method for disassembling battery components by using robot, computing device in which same method is implemented, and system including computing device
Publication Date: 2025.03.26 THOTH INC(US)
  • EP4527566A1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP4527566A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4527566A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operation of a robot system for controlling the operation of at least one robot device implemented to perform at least one task based on a control signal is provided, the method comprising: receiving a control signal; obtaining sensing data associated with a battery; identifying a location of a first fastening member fixing the first component based on the sensing data and setting the location as a first target location; determining a first trajectory for a first end effector to reach a first location corresponding to the first target location; controlling the first end effector to perform a fist task of dismantling the first fastening member from the battery at the first location; setting a second target location based on the sensing data and determining a second trajectory for a second end effector to reach a second location corresponding to the second target location; and controlling the second end effector to perform a second task of disconnecting the first component at the second location.