3D Electrode Structure for High-Density Electrochemical Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochemical cells face challenges in increasing volume and mass electrical energy storage capacity due to limitations in electrode alignment and thickness homogeneity, leading to reduced energy density and increased risks of faults during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional electrode structure is designed with vertically oriented elongated electrodes and conductive elements, housed in a casing with a regular pattern, using a solid electrolyte to ensure precise alignment and reduce short-circuit risks, allowing for increased energy density and adaptable voltage values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of electrode layers is increased to increase cell volume and energy density, then the energy density improves, but the alignment precision deteriorates and the risk of faults increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional stacked electrode layers to a three-dimensional electrode structure with vertical bars arranged in a regular pattern. This dimensional change allows electrodes to be organized in multiple spatial dimensions rather than simple stacking, enabling increased cell volume and energy density while maintaining alignment precision through the structured geometric arrangement of vertical electrodes.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional coating techniques are used to manufacture flat electrodes, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the thickness homogeneity deteriorates and alignment precision worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a casting process to manufacture the three-dimensional electrode structure, representing a fundamental parameter change from conventional coating techniques. The casting process allows for excellent thickness homogeneity and precise dimensional control of the vertical electrode bars, while the regular geometric pattern ensures accurate alignment. This manufacturing parameter change resolves the contradiction between ease of manufacture and manufacturing precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If thin electrode layers are used to maintain alignment, then the alignment precision is maintained, but the cell volume and energy density are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses vertical electrode bars extending in the vertical dimension rather than thin horizontal layers. This dimensional change allows the electrodes to occupy more volume while maintaining precise alignment through their regular geometric arrangement. The vertical orientation enables the cell to achieve greater volume and energy density without compromising alignment precision.
4Quantity of substance
If the cell volume is increased to improve energy density, then the filling ratio improves, but the assembly complexity increases due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode structure into discrete vertical bars arranged in a regular pattern, with each bar being an independent element. This segmentation allows for modular assembly where electrodes can be independently positioned and connected, reducing assembly complexity while enabling increased cell volume. The regular geometric pattern provides a straightforward assembly framework that simplifies the assembly process compared to handling multiple thin layers.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enhances energy density by allowing thicker electrodes and reduces short-circuit risks, while maintaining precise alignment and avoiding solvent use, thus improving the overall performance and adaptability of the electrochemical cell.
Implementation Method 1
contains an electrolyte as an ionic conductive medium
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical cell includes a casing that: includes a lower first element in the form of a vessel, the internal surface of which is at least partially covered by a layer of conductive material so as to form the current collector of the first electrode with a first polarity; includes an upper second element in the form of a cover for closing the vessel; houses a three-dimensional electrode structure with a first electric polarity; houses a three-dimensional electrode structure with a second electric polarity opposite to the first electric polarity; and contains an electrolyte as an ionic conductive medium. The three-dimensional electrode structure with the second electric polarity includes a series of electrodes with a second polarity, each of which is an elongated body with a vertical orientation.