Date of Award
2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics
Department
Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering
First Advisor
Carl-Ernst Rousseau
Abstract
Despite the market size and substantial demand for rechargeable consumer electronics batteries (RCB), successfully disassembling and recirculating RCBs in their end-of-life stage (EOL-RCBs) remains inadequate. This inadequacy is due to health and environmental risks associated with these processes. This study systematically investigates the risks of a manual hand tool drill battery disassembly to identify the Shortest Paths to Failure (SPTFs). These SPTFs are the subject of risk mitigation measures which are incorporated in developing a low-resource, safer, manual RCB disassembly line. This process follows the objective of assigning extracted EOL-RCBs to recirculation strategies to extend their product life based on a battery degradation assessment. Implementing the conceptualized low-resource workstations significantly improves worker safety and reduces the need for newly manufactured batteries as the operational lifespan of existing batteries is extended. This represents an essential further step towards a circular economy and zero-waste society.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Herbst, Adelina, "CONCEPTUALIZING A SAFE, MANUAL DISASSEMBLY LINE FOR RECHARGEABLE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS BATTERIES" (2024). Open Access Master's Theses. Paper 2526.
https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/theses/2526
