A housing for an electronic device and an associated manufacturing method

Abstract

A housing for an electronic device, comprising at least a portion of the housing consisting of at least one layer of covering material, at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy, at least one layer of electrolyte gel and at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh. The at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy, at least one layer of electrolyte gel and at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh together act as an energy storage device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a housing for an electronic device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a housing for an electronic device including an energy storage device. Background Art

[0002] Battery technology has become the holy grail of today's electronics industry. The industry is taking various steps to improve the batteries currently in use in the industry and remove the limitations that current battery technology has. One major limitation is that the battery takes up a large space within the housing of the electronic device, making the electronic device much larger than it would be without the battery. This problem is particularly evident in modern smartphones, where manufacturers have to find a compromise between battery capacity and the physical size of the battery. Other commonly used electronic devices, such as shipment tracking devices, electronic security devices, medical electronics, smart wearable devices, etc., also face the same compromise.

[0003] Additionally, the greater space requirements of a battery often means that the housing of the device surrounding the battery also needs to be larger to accommodate the battery, which in many cases results in an undesirable increase in the weight of the device in addition to the already heavy battery.

[0004] In addition, commonly used lithium metal / ion batteries have many other problems, for example, these batteries are flammable, and if leaking or ruptured, some of these batteries are also explosive and toxic. This leads to higher regulatory requirements, which further increases the cost of manufacturers. Higher regulatory requirements also lead to these batteries being labeled as "dangerous goods" or "hazardous materials", and their storage and transportation are generally expensive when compared to other non-hazardous materials. In addition, most of these batteries are non-recyclable and cause environmental pollution.

[0005] Therefore, there is a continuous need in the art for improved battery designs and their integration with electronic devices, which may have characteristics such as reduced size, less recharging time, no / low maintenance requirements, longer life, flexible materials, light weight, reduced cost, non-hazardous, non-flammable / explosive, recyclable, environmentally friendly, compact, waterproof & moisture resistant, regulatory compliant, easy to replace, and low manufacturing cost.

[0006] The invention presented in this application attempts to achieve some of these goals. Summary of the invention

[0007] In order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present invention, a brief summary of the present invention is presented below. This summary is not an extensive review of the present invention. It is not intended to identify the key / critical elements of the present invention or to delimit the scope of the present invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the present invention in a simplified form as a preface to a more detailed description of the present invention presented later.

[0008] Aspects of the invention relate to a housing for an electronic device, comprising at least a portion of the housing consisting of at least one layer of covering material, at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy, at least one layer of electrolyte gel, and at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh. The at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy, at least one layer of electrolyte gel, and at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh together act as an energy storage device.

[0009] According to some aspects, the at least one layer of cover material comprises a layer of electrically insulating material.

[0010] According to some aspects, the at least one layer of covering material comprises a layer of rigid material.

[0011] According to some aspects, the at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy is an anode of an energy storage device.

[0012] According to some aspects, at least one layer of activated carbon-coated steel mesh is a cathode of an energy storage device.

[0013] According to some aspects, at least one layer of electrolyte gel includes silica gel and an electrolyte composition.

[0014] According to some aspects, the electrolyte composition includes a solution of KOH or NaCl or both.

[0015] According to some aspects, the portion includes an anode terminal and a cathode terminal.

[0016] According to some aspects, a housing encloses electronic components of an electronic device and corresponding electrical wiring and connections.

[0017] According to some aspects, the electronic device is a cargo monitoring device.

[0018] According to some aspects, the electronic device is a locking device for the vial.

[0019] Aspects of the invention also relate to a method of making a housing for an electronic device. The method includes making at least a portion of the housing including at least one layer of covering material, at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy, at least one layer of electrolyte gel, and at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh. The at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy, the layer of electrolyte gel, and the at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh together act as an energy storage device.

[0020] According to some aspects, the method includes injection molding at least one layer of a cover material, wherein the cover material is at least one of a polymeric material or a composite material.

[0021] According to some aspects, the method includes forming an electrolyte gel by adding a solution of KOH and NaCl to silica gel.

[0022] According to some aspects, the method includes placing a first side of at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy adjacent to a first side of at least one layer of activated carbon-coated steel mesh with a gap therebetween, and filling the gap with an electrolyte gel.

[0023] According to some aspects, the method includes placing at least one layer of covering material adjacent to a second side of at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy, and placing at least one layer of covering material adjacent to a second side of at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh, and sealing the layers of covering material together to form portions of the enclosure.

[0024] According to some aspects, the method includes forming a terminal on a portion of a surface of the covering material, wherein the terminal is in electrical communication with at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy.

[0025] According to some aspects, the method includes forming a terminal on a portion of a surface of the covering material, wherein the terminal is in electrical communication with the at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh.

[0026] Aspects of the present invention further relate to an energy storage device configured to be packaged within a housing of an electronic device, the energy storage device comprising at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy, at least one layer of electrolyte gel, and at least one layer of activated carbon-coated steel mesh. A first side of the at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy and a first side of the at least one layer of activated carbon-coated steel mesh are placed adjacent to each other with a gap therebetween, and the at least one layer of electrolyte gel fills the gap.

[0027] According to some aspects, in an energy storage device, the electrolyte gel includes silica gel and a solution of KOH or NaCl or both.

[0028] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Some objects of the present invention have been described above. These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional electronic device (prior art) depicting a top cross-sectional view of the device.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an electronic device including a housing of the present application.

[0032] Figure 3A and 3BTwo embodiments of a portion of a housing for an electronic device are depicted, wherein Figure 3A A first embodiment of the portion of the housing is depicted, and Figure 3B A second embodiment of the portion of the housing is depicted.

[0033] Figures 4A-4C An exemplary use case of the housing of the present application is depicted, wherein Figure 4A depicts an exemplary electronic locking device for locking a vial, Figure 4B is a schematic exploded view depicting the various layers of the housing of the electronic locking device, and Figure 4C is a schematic perspective view depicting a housing of an electronic device.

[0034] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The accompanying drawings (not necessarily drawn to scale) depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Although examples of configurations, sizes, and materials are shown for various elements, those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that can be utilized.

[0036] Overview

[0037] A housing for an electronic device is described herein. The housing includes at least a portion of the housing consisting of at least one layer of a covering material, at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy, at least one layer of electrolyte gel, and at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh. The at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy, at least one layer of electrolyte gel, and at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh together act as an energy storage device.

[0038] Also described herein is a method of making a housing for an electronic device, the method comprising making at least a portion of the housing comprising: at least one layer of covering material, at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy, at least one layer of electrolyte gel, and at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh. The at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy, the layer of electrolyte gel, and the at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh together act as an energy storage device.

[0039] Further described herein is an energy storage device configured to be packaged within a housing of an electronic device, the energy storage device comprising at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy, at least one layer of electrolyte gel, and at least one layer of activated carbon-coated steel mesh. A first side of the at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy and a first side of the at least one layer of activated carbon-coated steel mesh are placed adjacent to each other with a gap therebetween, and the at least one layer of electrolyte gel fills the gap.

[0040] Description of Embodiments

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional electronic device 10, depicting a top cross-sectional view of the device 10. As shown, the conventional electronic device 10 includes a protective housing 12, which protects the device from environmental factors (such as moisture or dust / dirt), and also prevents damage to the circuitry from external shock or impact. In addition, the conventional electronic device includes a circuit board 14 and a battery 16 having a positive terminal 18 and a negative terminal 20. The terminals 18, 20 of the battery are connected to the circuit board 14 to power the circuitry on the circuit board 14. There may be other devices within the housing 12, such as sensors, transducers, motors, etc. As discussed in the background technology, in Figure 1 As can be seen, because the battery 16 is separate from both the housing and the circuit board 14 , it occupies additional space within the housing 12 , resulting in a greater space requirement within the housing 12 , and increases the weight of the housing 12 , and therefore increases the weight of the device 10 .

[0042] Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electronic device 100 according to the present invention, comprising a housing 102 and an electronic circuit board 104. (One or more) electrical energy storage units are integrated into the housing 102, which will be described in detail below. As can be seen, this integration of the energy storage device into the housing 102 reduces the space requirement of the housing 102, and therefore also reduces its weight requirement. The housing 102 or at least a portion thereof (e.g. one or more walls of the housing) includes several layers of different materials to incorporate the energy storage unit / battery capacity into said portion. In this way, the housing 102 or at least a portion thereof includes at least one protective covering layer. For example, in Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the housing includes an outer protective and insulating covering layer 106a and an inner protective and insulating covering layer 106b. The housing 102 further includes at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy, at least one layer of electrolyte gel, and at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh. For example, in Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, a layer of aluminum metal or alloy 108, a layer of electrolyte gel 110, and a layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh 112 are sandwiched together between protective and insulating cover layers 106a and 106b to form an electrical energy storage unit. Terminals 114 electrically connected to the layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh 112 are positioned on the surface of the inner cover layer 106b, and terminals 116 electrically connected to the layer of aluminum metal or alloy 108 are also positioned on the surface of the inner cover layer 106b. Terminals 114 and 116 are positioned to be spaced apart so that there is no electrical contact between the terminals on the surface of the inner cover layer 106b. Terminals 114, 116 can be used to connect the electrical storage unit within the housing 102 to the electronic circuit board 104 for powering the electronic circuit board 104.

[0043] Figure 3A and 3B Two embodiments of a portion of a housing 102 of an electronic device are depicted, wherein Figure 3A A first embodiment of the portion of the housing is depicted, and Figure 3B A second embodiment of the portion of housing 102 is depicted. In some embodiments, as Figure 3A and Figure 2 As shown, the portion of the housing 102 includes a layer of aluminum metal or alloy 108, a layer of electrolyte gel 110, and a layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh 112 wrapped in two layers of covering material 106a and 106b. Figure 3B As shown, the portion of the housing 102 includes several such layers stacked together, for example, as shown, the portion of the housing 102 includes four layers of covering material 106a, 106b, 106c and 106d, three layers of aluminum metal or alloy 108a, 108b, 108c, three layers of electrolyte gel 110a, 110b and 110c, and three layers of activated carbon coated steel mesh 112a, 112b and 112c. Other embodiments may include as shown Figure 3B The same pattern shown is repeated for additional such layers.

[0044] The aforementioned layers are Figure 3A and 3B The pattern shown is arranged so that at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy 108, at least one layer of electrolyte gel 110 and at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh 112 are combined together and together act as an electrical energy storage unit, which is covered on at least one side by at least one covering layer. In particular, referring to Figure 2 and 3A , one side / side of the layer of aluminum metal or alloy 108 contacts one side / side of the layer of electrolyte gel 110, and one side / side of the layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh 112 contacts the opposite side / side of the layer of electrolyte gel 110, forming an aluminum-air battery / cell. In this aluminum-air battery / cell, the layer of aluminum metal or alloy 108 acts as an anode, and the layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh 112 acts as a cathode, and the electrolyte gel 110 acts as a conductive medium between the anode and the cathode. Figure 3B It can be seen that by repeating the pattern of layers 108, 110 and 112, several such aluminum-air batteries / cells can be stacked together, with each cell separated by at least one layer of covering material.

[0045] In some embodiments, each layer of covering material includes a material that provides rigidity and electrical insulation to the housing 102. In some embodiments, the layer of covering material can be made of a rigid and non-conductive polymer, such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PC (polycarbonate), PA (polyamide), phenolic resin, PLA (polylactic acid), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate, resin glass), PPE (polyphenylene oxide), SEBS (styrene ethylene butadiene styrene), polycaprolactam or a combination thereof, or any other polymer material having desired electrical insulation and rigidity properties. In some embodiments, the layer of covering material can be made of a composite material, such as glass fiber, carbon fiber, or any other composite material having desired electrical insulation and rigidity properties.

[0046] In some embodiments, the thickness of each layer of covering material ranges between 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm. In some embodiments, each layer of covering material is porous to allow local air to react. In such embodiments, at least one layer of covering material is used as the outermost layer.

[0047] In some embodiments, each layer of aluminum metal or alloy 108 comprises an aluminum metal sheet of an alloy most suitable for forming an anode. Aluminum alloys that can be used to form layer 108 include high-grade (99.99% or 99.999%) aluminum doped with other trace elements such as Ga, In, Sn, Mg, Tl, Zn.

[0048] In some embodiments, the thickness of each layer of aluminum metal or alloy 108 ranges between 0.5 mm and 1.25 mm.

[0049] In some embodiments, each layer of electrolyte gel 110 includes silica gel that has absorbed NaCl and KOH solutions. The concentration of NaCl and KOH solutions in the silica gel is such that it depends on the size of the portion of the housing 102 and the number of electrical storage units (combinations of layers 108, 110, 112) within the portion to produce the desired electrical effect. The concentration of silica gel can be obtained based on the size of the battery. In some embodiments, at least 0.5-2.5M potassium hydroxide / NaCl solution is used as the electrolyte gel. In some embodiments, in order to produce an average current of 1.25V and 11mA, at least 9cm with a constant 0.5-2.5M KOH is used. 2 In such an embodiment, the surface area of ​​the aluminum metal or alloy 108 is 6 cm 2 , and the surface area of ​​the activated carbon coated steel mesh layer 112 is 3.75 cm 2 We can also use the same 0.5-2.5M concentrated citric acid.

[0050] In some embodiments, the thickness of each layer of electrolyte gel 110 ranges between 0.75 mm and 1.25 mm.

[0051] In some embodiments, each activated carbon coated steel mesh layer 112 includes a steel mesh coated with activated carbon powder. The activated carbon powder can be coated on the steel mesh using a bonding material such as epoxy resin. The steel mesh can be composed of fine steel wires woven together in any suitable pattern. In addition, many types of steel can be selected to form the steel mesh structure. In some embodiments, the activated carbon with steel mesh is used as a current collector with a constant KOH and NaCl electrolyte / solution and produces 2.67 mA with a surface area of ​​2.25 cm 2 .

[0052] In some embodiments, the thickness of each layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh 112 ranges between 0.75 mm and 1.25 mm.

[0053] In some embodiments, terminals 114 and 116 are small plates made of a conductive metal or metal alloy (such as copper, steel, silver, gold, etc.) and are connected to layers 112 and 108, respectively, by electrical conductors or wires passing through cover layers 106a or 106b. In some other embodiments, the terminals are portions of layers 108 and 112 that are exposed to the environment by removing corresponding portions of cover layers 106a and 106b.

[0054] In some embodiments, the housing 102 or the portion of the housing that includes the electrical energy storage device is made by separately forming each of the cover layer, the aluminum metal or alloy layer 108, the electrolyte gel layer 110, and the steel mesh layer 112, and then bonding the layers together by various techniques, such as using an adhesive like epoxy resin or using high pressure compression techniques. For example, in some embodiments, the layer of aluminum metal or alloy 108 and the layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh 112 can be positioned adjacent to each other with a gap therebetween. The gap can then be filled with electrolyte gel to form layer 110, and the arrangement can then be sandwiched and sealed between two cover layers 106a and 106b, such as Figure 2 and 3A shown.

[0055] In some embodiments, the layer of covering material is made by injection molding one of the plastic materials described above into a desired shape. In some other embodiments, the layer of covering material is made by compressing a composite material into a desired shape, ie, the shape of a portion of the housing 102 .

[0056] In some embodiments, the layer of aluminum metal or alloy 108 is made by cutting, bending, stamping, etc. of an aluminum metal or alloy sheet as well as other metal sheet processing techniques.

[0057] In some embodiments, the layer of electrolyte gel 110 is made by mixing a solution of KOH and Nacl with silica gel. In some embodiments, the silica gel is mixed in a proportional solution so that the KoH or Nacl solution reacts 100% (completely) with the anode and cathode. In some embodiments, the size of the silica gel is in the range of 0.75 mm to 1.25 mm. In some embodiments, the microstructure of the silica gel is modified to have a tight interference with the electrode, resulting in an increase in peak current, which will improve the electrode kinetics and significantly reduce the oxidation potential during anode exchange. In addition, in such embodiments, the ion exchange / chemical reaction time is greatly reduced. In some embodiments, the silica gel-based electrolyte gel layer 110 improves its resistance to extreme temperatures, shocks, and vibrations. In addition, in some embodiments, no special handling precautions are required during shipping because the silica gel-based electrolyte gel layer 110 does not leak, spill, or corrode, and its contents are completely sealed, even if not installed in an upright position.

[0058] In some embodiments, the activated carbon coated steel mesh layer 112 is formed by applying epoxy resin on the steel mesh and spraying activated carbon powder on the steel mesh so that the powder adheres to the surface of the steel mesh forming the activated carbon coated steel mesh layer 112 .

[0059] Although some exemplary methods of making housing 102 or a portion thereof including an electrical storage device are discussed above, it will be apparent that other methods of making housing 102 may occur to those skilled in the art.

[0060] Additionally, in some embodiments, the portion of the housing 102 that includes the electrical storage cell(s) can be removably attached to the housing (e.g., using a locking mechanism). In such embodiments, once the electrical storage cell(s) are depleted, the portion of the housing 102 that includes the storage cell(s) can be easily replaced.

[0061] Figures 4A-4C An exemplary use case of the housing of the present application is depicted, wherein Figure 4A An exemplary electronic locking device 200 for locking a vial 204 is depicted. Figure 4B is a schematic exploded view depicting the various layers of the housing 202 of the electronic locking device 200, and Figure 4C is a schematic perspective view depicting a housing 202 of an electronic locking device 200 .

[0062] As from Figure 4A It can be seen that the electronic locking device 200 includes a housing 202 having locking electronics (not shown) attached to a cap portion of a vial 204 .

[0063] Such electronic locking devices (in the prior art) are used for the transportation of vials storing expensive or hazardous chemicals, biochemical materials, drugs or medicines, which are susceptible to malicious acts during transportation, such as theft or robbery, or such materials may be dangerous to people or the environment if released into the atmosphere. Such electronic locking devices 200 are generally transported over long distances for several weeks via shipping. The use of flammable or explosive lithium metal ion batteries in such devices not only increases regulatory barriers for transporters and manufacturers, but may also lead to accidents during transportation, which may further cause the materials stored in the vials to contaminate the surrounding environment. In addition, these lithium ion batteries, although rechargeable in some cases, have a short charging cycle and need to be recharged at a high frequency, such as every 1-2 weeks, and thus increase the maintenance cost of these devices.

[0064] The electronic locking device 200 overcomes the above disadvantages by using the housing 202 according to the embodiments disclosed in the present application. Figure 4B , the housing 202 includes covering layers 206a, 206b. In some embodiments, the covering layers are injection molded plastic. The housing further includes an aluminum metal or alloy layer 208, an electrolyte gel layer 210, and an activated carbon-coated steel mesh layer 212. The covering layer, the aluminum metal or alloy layer 208, the electrolyte gel layer 210, and the steel mesh layer 212 are joined together to form an aluminum-air battery cell in the housing 202 for powering electronic components installed in the housing 202. Reference Figure 4C The housing 202 includes a cathode terminal 214 and an anode terminal 216 for connecting the aluminum air battery cell to the electronic components housed in the housing 202. The materials used and the method of manufacturing the housing 202 are similar to those described above with reference to Figure 2-3A The embodiments described herein are therefore not discussed in detail.

[0065] The above-described electronic locking device 200 having a housing 202 with an integrated aluminum-air battery cell (electrical energy storage unit) has several advantages over similar prior art devices. For example, the aluminum-air battery cell integrated in the housing removes the necessity of placing a separate battery in the housing 202, and thereby significantly reduces the size requirements for the housing 202. In addition, the aluminum-air battery cell integrated in the housing 202 can be formed into any shape of the housing 202. The aluminum-air battery cell integrated in the housing 202 is non-flammable, non-explosive, and does not contain any toxic materials, and is therefore significantly less likely to cause accidents due to failure than explosive and flammable batteries, and can be transported under a much more relaxed regulatory system, thereby reducing manufacturing, transportation and disposal costs. The aluminum-air battery cell integrated in the housing 202 is recyclable and can be easily replaced and recycled after each use, thereby reducing maintenance costs. Because there is no spillage or leakage and it is non-explosive, the battery will not cause damage to the PCB or any other internal components. Users just need to replace any controllers or internal components to the new unit.

[0066] Although the aluminum-air battery cell integrated housing of the present application is discussed with reference to an electronic locking device for a vial, it can be used in many electronic devices, including smart phones, logistics tracking devices, medical devices, wearable devices, portable electronic devices, etc. Several such applications of the present application can be imagined by those skilled in the art.

[0067] Having described aspects of the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims. As various changes may be made to the above-described constructions, products and methods without departing from the scope of aspects of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.

[0068] When introducing elements of aspects of the present invention or examples thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements in addition to the listed elements. The term "exemplary" is intended to mean "an example of..." The phrase "one or more of: A, B, and C" means "at least one of A and / or at least one of B and / or at least one of C."

[0069] Although the subject matter has been described with language specific to structural features and / or actions, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. On the contrary, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims, and other equivalent features and actions are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A housing for an electronic device, comprising: At least a portion of the housing consisting of: at least one layer of covering material; At least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy; at least one layer of electrolyte gel; as well as at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh; wherein the at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy, the at least one layer of electrolyte gel and the at least one layer of activated carbon-coated steel mesh together act as one or more energy storage units, each energy storage unit is sandwiched between two adjacent layers of covering material in the at least one layer of covering material, and the one or more energy storage units and the inner layer covering material in the at least one layer of covering material define a space that can accommodate the electronic components of the electronic device.

2. The housing for an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the at least one layer of covering material comprises a layer of electrically insulating material.

3. The housing for an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the at least one layer of covering material comprises a layer of rigid material.

4. The housing for an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy is the anode of the energy storage unit.

5. The housing for an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh is the cathode of the energy storage unit.

6. The housing for an electronic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The at least one layer of electrolyte gel includes silica gel and an electrolyte composition.

7. The housing for an electronic device as claimed in claim 6, wherein: The electrolyte composition includes a solution of KOH or NaCl or both.

8. The housing for an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The portion includes an anode terminal and a cathode terminal.

9. The housing for an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The inner layer of the at least one layer of cover material also surrounds corresponding electrical wiring and connections of the electronic device.

10. The housing for an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic device is a cargo monitoring device.

11. The housing for an electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic device is a locking device for the vial.

12. A method for manufacturing a housing for an electronic device, the method comprising: Manufacturing at least a portion of the housing comprising: at least one layer of covering material; At least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy; at least one layer of electrolyte gel; as well as at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh; wherein the at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy, the at least one layer of electrolyte gel and the at least one layer of activated carbon-coated steel mesh together act as one or more energy storage units, each energy storage unit is sandwiched between two adjacent layers of covering material in the at least one layer of covering material, and the one or more energy storage units and the inner layer covering material in the at least one layer of covering material define a space that can accommodate the electronic components of the electronic device.

13. The method for manufacturing a housing for an electronic device according to claim 12, the method comprising: The at least one layer of covering material is injection molded, wherein the covering material is at least one of a polymer material or a composite material.

14. The method for manufacturing a housing for an electronic device according to claim 12, the method comprising: The electrolyte gel is formed by adding a solution of KOH and NaCl to silica gel.

15. The method for manufacturing a housing for an electronic device according to claim 12, the method comprising: The first side of the at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy is placed adjacent to the first side of the at least one layer of activated carbon-coated steel mesh with a gap therebetween, and the gap is filled with the electrolyte gel.

16. The method for manufacturing a housing for an electronic device according to claim 15, the method comprising: At least one layer of covering material is placed adjacent to the second side of the at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy, and at least one layer of covering material is placed adjacent to the second side of the at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh, and the layers of covering material are sealed together to form the portion of the housing.

17. The method for manufacturing a housing for an electronic device according to claim 16, the method comprising: A terminal is formed on a portion of the surface of the covering material, wherein the terminal is in electrical communication with the at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy.

18. The method for manufacturing a housing for an electronic device according to claim 16, the method comprising: A terminal is formed on a portion of the surface of the covering material, wherein the terminal is in electrical communication with the at least one layer of activated carbon-coated steel mesh.

19. An energy storage device encapsulated in a housing of an electronic device by at least one layer of covering material, the energy storage device comprising: At least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy; at least one layer of electrolyte gel; as well as at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh; wherein the first side of the at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy and the first side of the at least one layer of activated carbon-coated steel mesh are placed adjacent to each other with a gap therebetween, and wherein the at least one layer of electrolyte gel fills the gap, wherein the at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy, the at least one layer of electrolyte gel and the at least one layer of activated carbon-coated steel mesh together act as one or more energy storage units, each energy storage unit is sandwiched between two adjacent layers of covering material in the at least one layer of covering material, and the one or more energy storage units and the inner layer covering material in the at least one layer of covering material define a space that can accommodate electronic components of the electronic device.

20. The energy storage device of claim 19, wherein: The electrolyte gel includes silica gel and a solution of KOH or NaCl or both.

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