Concepts and Requirements for Flexible Disassembly Systems for Drive Train Components of Electric Vehicles

Abstract An increase in the sales number of battery electric vehicles within the last year can be recorded. At the end-of-life these vehicles require a reliable disassembly for recycling or remanufacturing. On the one hand, drivetrain components of those vehicles contain valuable resources and thus are mainly relevant for recycling or remanufacturing. On the other hand, the automated disassembly of especially electric motors and Li-ion battery systems encloses major challenges. Especially the high number of variants and the unknown specifications and conditions of the components are challenging points for the disassembly system. Conventional automated disassembly systems provide limited flexibility and adaptability for the disassembly of these products. Within this contribution two robot-based flexible disassembly systems are systematically derived for Li-ion battery modules and supplementary electric motors. Both products are analysed and the product-specific challenges and requirements are identified. The state of the art regarding flexible disassembly systems is captured using the methodology of a morphological box. Four subsystems are identified: Kinematic, Tools, Workpiece fixation, Safety system. Based on the results, concepts for disassembly systems for both Li-ion battery modules and supplementary electric motors are developed and presented in detail. Especially the structure and functionality of both systems are explained. This is followed by an assessment of the approaches and an identification of limitations as well as possible optimization potentials.