Battery Electrode Stimulation for Improved Electrolyte Wetting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic device batteries face issues with incomplete electrode wetting during manufacture, leading to reduced battery performance and capacity over time due to incomplete penetration of the electrolyte into the electrodes, resulting in up to 20% of the electrode volume remaining 'dry'.
Innovation Solution
Applying a fluctuating or alternating electrical signal to at least one terminal of the battery to stimulate a mechanical response, such as vibration, to improve electrode wetting and electrolyte penetration, thereby enhancing battery capacity and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional battery manufacturing is used, then production efficiency is maintained, but electrode wetting is incomplete resulting in reduced battery capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration to the battery electrodes during or after manufacturing to enhance electrolyte penetration. The vibration causes the electrolyte to distribute more uniformly throughout the electrode structure, improving wetting completeness and thereby increasing battery capacity without compromising production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic electrical stimulation signals applied to the battery terminals to induce mechanical responses in the electrodes. This periodic action creates oscillating electric fields that enhance electrolyte movement and distribution within the electrodes, improving wetting uniformity and battery capacity
2Quantity of substance
If battery storage capacity is increased, then energy storage is improved, but capacity degrades over time due to incomplete electrode wetting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vibration or electrical stimulation treatment to the battery during or immediately after manufacturing, before the battery is put into service. This preliminary action ensures complete electrode wetting is achieved upfront, preventing the development of capacity degradation over time and ensuring long-term reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters such as applying mechanical vibration frequency and amplitude, or electrical stimulation voltage and frequency, to optimize electrolyte distribution. By adjusting these parameters during manufacturing or maintenance, the battery achieves better electrode wetting that maintains capacity over extended periods
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 method effectively improves electrode wetting, reducing battery capacity loss by half compared to batteries not subjected to the stimulation signal, maintaining higher capacity over charging cycles.
Implementation Method 1
applying a stimulation signal, being a fluctuating or alternating electrical signal, to at least one terminal of the battery to stimulate a mechanical response, such as vibration
Implementation Method 2
applying a fluctuating or alternating electrical signal to at least one terminal of the battery to stimulate a mechanical response
Data Source
AI summary
A method of improving electrode wetting of a battery of a portable electronic device, the method implemented by the portable electronic device or battery-stimulation apparatus thereof, the method comprising: applying a stimulation signal, being a fluctuating or alternating electrical signal, to at least one terminal of the battery to stimulate a mechanical response of electrodes of the battery.