Battery Case Sealing to Preserve Metal-Air Battery Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metal-air batteries, commonly used in hearing assistance devices, have a short life after activation due to continuous chemical reactions regardless of load, leading to rapid oxidation and energy depletion.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device case with a base portion and lid portion that engages to prevent oxygen flow into the battery wells, using deformable elastomeric tips to seal the batteries and slow or cease oxidation reactions, thereby extending battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If metal-air batteries are activated for use, then the battery can provide electrical current, but the oxidation reaction continues continuously causing short battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The case applies preliminary anti-action by pre-preventing oxygen access to the battery through sealed battery wells and oxygen barrier films before the battery is activated. The case structure with tight seals and oxygen blocking materials is designed in advance to counteract the oxidation reaction that would otherwise occur continuously, thereby extending battery life while maintaining the ability to generate electrical current when needed
2Productivity
If the battery is activated to provide power, then the device can operate, but oxygen continues to react with the metal anode depleting energy
Solution Approach 1:
The case creates an inert environment by incorporating oxygen barrier films and sealed battery wells that block oxygen from reaching the metal anode. This inert atmosphere prevents the harmful oxidation reaction that causes energy depletion, while still allowing the battery to function when activated. The oxygen blocking materials and tight seals maintain this protective environment throughout device operation
3Duration of action of moving object
If the case provides tight sealing to prevent oxygen flow, then battery life is extended, but access to batteries becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The case applies segmentation by dividing the sealing function into multiple components: the case body with sealed battery wells, removable battery well plugs, and oxygen barrier films. This segmentation allows the tight sealing to be maintained for oxygen protection while providing specific access points (plugs and wells) that enable relatively easy battery replacement when needed, balancing protection with operability
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 case effectively prolongs the life of metal-air batteries by inhibiting oxidation reactions, allowing for extended use of hearing assistance devices without frequent battery replacements.
Implementation Method 1
metal-air batteries are supplied with a tab or sticker that is removed to activate the battery and start the oxidation reaction and the generation of electrical current
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to cases such as battery cases and wearable device cases that can be used to prolong the life of batteries used for powering wearable devices. In a first aspect, a case can be included having a base portion defining one or more battery wells and a lid portion including one or more battery well plugs. The lid portion moves between a closed position wherein it can be engaged with the base portion and an open position wherein it can be disengaged from the base portion to allow access to contents therein. The one or more battery well plugs engage with the one or more battery wells when the lid is in the closed position to prevent the flow of oxygen into a battery within the battery well thereby slowing or ceasing the oxidation reaction of the battery and preserving battery life. Other embodiments are also included herein.