Wearable Battery Connector Fluid Detection for Corrosion Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conducting fluids, such as salt water or other liquids with sufficient ions, can cause electrolytic or galvanic corrosion in the terminals of electrical connectors in conformable wearable battery packs, leading to increased impedance and reduced power availability.
Innovation Solution
Monitoring the voltage potential between terminals using unused pins and adjusting power supply to the connectors based on detected changes, including the use of internal timers to reapply power and check for conduction, thereby reducing corrosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power is continuously supplied to external connectors, then functionality is maintained, but conducting fluids cause electrolytic or galvanic corrosion leading to increased impedance and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of conducting fluids in the connector before significant corrosion occurs. By monitoring voltage potential between terminals using unused pins, the system can identify the presence of conducting fluids and take preventive action by adjusting or disconnecting power supply, thereby preventing electrolytic or galvanic corrosion before it causes damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the voltage potential between connector terminals and uses this feedback to determine when conducting fluids are present. Based on this feedback, the controller automatically adjusts the power supply to the connector, reducing or disconnecting power when corrosion risk is detected, thus creating a closed-loop protection system that maintains reliability.
2Reliability
If power is reduced or disconnected to prevent corrosion, then reliability is improved, but functionality of the connector is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses internal timers to periodically reapply power to the connector after detecting conducting fluids. This periodic action allows the connector to regain functionality while maintaining protection against corrosion. The system can check for conduction at intervals and restore power when safe, balancing reliability with operational availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply to the connector is made dynamic rather than static. The system can adjust power levels based on real-time detection of conducting fluids, partially restoring power when conditions permit while maintaining protection when risks exist. This dynamic approach allows the connector to transition between protected and functional states as conditions change.
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
Reduces long-term corrosion of connector terminals by detecting the presence of conducting liquids and modifying power supply to prevent further degradation.
Implementation Method 1
one or more unused terminals may be pulled to one voltage potential and the terminals' voltages may be monitored to detect changes
Implementation Method 2
Conducting fluids, such as salt water or other liquids with sufficient ions, can cause electrolytic or galvanic corrosion in the terminals of electrical connectors
Implementation Method 3
Conducting fluids, such as salt water or other liquids with sufficient ions, can cause electrolytic or galvanic corrosion in the terminals of electrical connectors
Data Source
AI summary
One or more external connectors of a conformal wearable battery (CWB) may be controlled to reduce a voltage potential supplied to the connectors when exposed to a conductive liquid. The connectors may be uniform serial bus (USB) connectors or other connectors. One or more unused terminals of the one or more connectors may be pulled to a voltage potential and then monitored for a change in voltage. When the change in voltage satisfies a voltage threshold, the voltage potential supplied to the one or more connectors may be reduced and/or interrupted. The change in voltage may be evaluated against the voltage threshold alone or may be evaluated against the voltage threshold and a time threshold relating to a time after the voltage satisfied the voltage threshold. The voltage of the monitored terminal may be evaluated against one or more voltage thresholds and/or one or more time thresholds. Based on the voltage threshold having been met, the voltage supplied to the connector may be reduced or stopped.