【New action of technology giants】Apple aims at the future of easy disassembly: say goodbye to cumbersomeness and welcome the era of glue-free batteries
According to internal sources, "Information" revealed that Apple is developing new technology aimed at making it easy for iPhone users to remove the battery cell and make repairs easier. This technological innovation, known as "electro-adhesive debonding", encapsulates the battery in metal instead of the aluminum foil currently used, allowing the battery to be easily removed with a small current.
For years, battery bonding issues have plagued maintenance personnel and DIY enthusiasts. iFixit even wrote an article calling for electronic devices to get rid of glue dependence. On the 2020 iPhone, replacing the glue-bonded battery requires two hours of disassembly, one hour of cleaning up the corrosion damage, and one hour of re-attaching.
European environmental regulations are driving change. The European Union issued a battery regulation last year requiring all new portable devices and light vehicles to consider replaceable battery designs to tackle the e-waste problem. Cristina Ganapini, right-to-repair advocate, said: "This is a major victory that secures the right to repair. ”
Apple turned to "electro-adhesive debonding" in search of a stronger and more convenient way to separate. The research paper notes that this technique is particularly valuable for electronic components that are in urgent need of disassembly or fragile electronic components. It utilizes conductive glue to enable quick connection and removal of components to circuit boards through electrical activation, simplifying the replacement of faulty components.
In addition, these electronically controlled adhesives can be activated remotely without direct contact. The glue in the current mobile phone assembly relies on high temperature melting, and the new method is replaced by electric current. Switching to electric drive is expected to avoid potential damage to internal components at high temperatures.
Ionic components such as dissolved salts or ionic liquids are added to the glue to give it electrical conductivity, making it react to voltage. Voltage-triggered debonding technology reduces the risk of mechanical, thermal, or chemical damage. However, the implementation of this method requires a metal or other conductive substrate as a base.
This process is initiated by applying a voltage to the two bonding surfaces. Electroadhesives are already gaining traction in the aerospace and electronics industries, and the iPhone may be the first to adopt this promising innovation.
An in-depth look at the microscopic processes of this technology can be found in a research paper in the journal Advanced Materials Interface and a master's thesis in the School of Chemical Science and Engineering at the Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden. A comprehensive analysis of recycling applications can be found at the Royal Society of Chemistry.
As Apple moves towards this revolutionary technology, the era of battery replacement for mobile phones is upon us, and let's all look forward to how this change will improve user experience and sustainability.
Post by Tom