Reversible electrical connector and method

A connector comprising:

• a first layer configured as an adhesive layer;
• a second layer configured as an adhesive layer;
• a third layer between the first and second adhesive layers, wherein the third layer includes a shape memory polymer having a glass transition temperature;
• and
• wherein:
• each of the first, second, and third layers is electrically conductive;
• the connector in a permanent shape defined by the shape memory polymer includes a generally arcuate shape;
• the connector is transformable into a temporary shape configured to substantially conform to a first substrate and a second substrate to operatively attach the first and second substrates and provide an electrically conductive path between the first substrate and the second substrate;
• and
• the connector is releasable from the first and second substrates by heating the connector in the temporary shape above the glass transition temperature to detach the connector from the first and second substrates and disrupt the electrically conductive path between the first substrate and the second substrate.

A battery pack comprising:

• a first battery cell defining a first battery tab;
• a second battery cell defining a second battery tab;
• a reversible adhesive electrically conductive connector including a shape memory polymer;
• wherein:
• the connector is positioned between the first battery tab and the second battery tab;
• the shape memory polymer of the connector in a permanent shape defines a generally curved shape;
• the connector is transformable from the permanent shape to a temporary shape generally conforming to the first battery tab and the second battery tab by heating the connector to a temperature higher than a transition temperature of the shape memory polymer, and applying a load on the connector to transform the connector to the conforming shape while cooling the connector to a temperature lower than the transition temperature;
• in the conforming shape, the connector forms an adhesive bond between the connector and the first and second substrates to operatively attach the first and second substrates and provide an electrical connection between the first and second substrates;
• the connector is releasable from the first and second battery tabs by heating the connector in the temporary shape above the glass transition temperature to recover the permanent shape of the connector;
• and
• the first and the second battery cells are recyclable after the first and second battery tabs are released from the connector.