Rotor Assembly Disassembly via Thermal Demagnetization and Adhesive Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
The economic viability of magnet recycling from electric machines is hindered by the complexity and cost of extracting permanent magnets from components, due to the design of electric machines and the unsuitability of components for recycling.
Innovation Solution
A method involving thermal treatment of a rotor assembly to demagnetize permanent magnets and dissolve the adhesive, followed by mechanical excitation to separate the laminated stack and demagnetized magnets, enabling efficient and automated extraction of permanent magnets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional extraction methods are used to remove permanent magnets from rotor assemblies, then magnets can be retrieved, but the process requires complex machining operations and has low productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal treatment to change the physical state of the adhesive bonding the magnets to the rotor assembly. By heating the assembly to a temperature where the adhesive softens or melts, the bonding strength is reduced, allowing magnets to be easily removed without complex machining operations. This parameter change (temperature) directly enables high-speed extraction while eliminating the need for complex extraction devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical extraction methods (machining, prying, or forcing magnets out) with a thermal field approach. Instead of using mechanical forces to separate magnets from the rotor assembly, the invention uses thermal energy to alter the adhesive properties, enabling magnet removal through non-mechanical means. This substitution dramatically simplifies the extraction system and increases productivity.
2Productivity
If automated extraction systems are implemented, then productivity increases, but the complexity and cost of the extraction device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thermal parameter changes to achieve automated magnet extraction. By implementing a heating system that raises the temperature of the rotor assembly to the adhesive's softening point, the system automatically enables magnet removal without requiring complex mechanical automation. The thermal field acts as the primary mechanism, replacing the need for sophisticated automated extraction mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the adhesive's bonding function by applying thermal treatment that removes or weakens the adhesive's holding capability. By taking out the adhesive's bonding effect through thermal degradation or softening, the magnets become easily separable from the rotor assembly, enabling simple automated extraction processes without complex extraction mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If thermal treatment is applied to demagnetize permanent magnets, then adhesive dissolves enabling easy separation, but the magnets lose their magnetic properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary thermal treatment to dissolve or soften the adhesive bonding the magnets to the rotor assembly, enabling easy separation. By performing this thermal action first, the magnets can be removed with minimal force and mechanical stress, preventing physical damage to the magnets that would compromise their magnetic properties. The preliminary thermal action facilitates gentle extraction while preserving magnet integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic or controlled thermal treatment cycles to selectively affect the adhesive without excessively heating the permanent magnets. By using periodic heating pulses or controlled temperature profiles, the adhesive is gradually softened and dissolved, allowing progressive separation of magnets from the rotor assembly. This periodic action prevents thermal damage to the magnets while achieving complete adhesive breakdown over time.
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
This method allows for the efficient and automated extraction of permanent magnets from electric machines, reducing the need for machining and simplifying the recycling process, thereby enhancing the economic viability of magnet recycling.
Implementation Method 1
B) Thermal treatment of the rotor assembly for simultaneously demagnetizing the permanent magnets and dissolving the adhesive
Implementation Method 2
Thermal treatment of the rotor assembly for simultaneously demagnetizing the permanent magnets
Implementation Method 3
C) Mechanical excitation of the heated rotor assembly at least to separate the laminated stack and the demagnetized magnets
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
AI summary
Method for disassembling a rotor assembly (1) comprising the following steps: A) Providing a rotor assembly (1), which comprises a laminated stack (3) with multiple metal sheets (4) and a plurality of permanent magnets (5), which are attached to the laminated stack (3) by means of an adhesive (6); B) Thermal treatment of the rotor assembly (1) for simultaneously demagnetizing the permanent magnets (5) and dissolving the adhesive (6); C) Mechanical excitation of the heated rotor assembly (1) to separate at least the laminated stack (3) and the demagnetized magnets (5).