Battery Condition Indicator Using Redox Electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery condition indicators require consumer interaction to display battery state, are prone to parasitic discharge, and increase manufacturing complexity and cost due to additional components.
Innovation Solution
A battery condition indicator with an electrochemically generated display in permanent electrical connection to the battery, using a redox material indicator electrode and a counter electrode with a separator and electrolyte, eliminating the need for consumer interaction and minimizing parasitic discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a switch is included in the indicator circuit to prevent parasitic discharge, then battery capacity loss is reduced, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the switch component from the indicator circuit entirely. Instead of using a switch to control electrical connection, the indicator is designed to operate continuously without requiring manual activation, thereby eliminating the source of parasitic discharge while maintaining simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator system operates autonomously without requiring consumer interaction. The high-impedance electrochromic indicator automatically displays battery condition without drawing significant current, making the system self-sufficient without needing protective switches
2Loss of energy
If a switch is added to control indicator activation, then parasitic discharge is prevented, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult-to-press points
Solution Approach 1:
The switch mechanism is completely removed from the design. The indicator operates continuously without requiring manual activation, eliminating both the energy loss from switching operations and the operational difficulties associated with small press-points
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator system is designed to function autonomously, continuously monitoring and displaying battery condition without requiring consumer interaction, thereby achieving both energy efficiency and ease of operation
3Measurement precision
If two distinct electrodes are included in the indicator construction, then accurate battery state measurement is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the counter electrode function with the battery terminal, eliminating the need for a separate counter electrode in the indicator assembly. This integration maintains measurement accuracy while significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing component count
Solution Approach 2:
The battery terminal serves dual purposes: as the electrical connection point for the battery and as the counter electrode for the electrochromic indicator. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining the precision of battery state measurement
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 solution provides accurate battery state indication without consumer interaction, minimizes capacity loss, and simplifies design and manufacturing, reducing costs compared to traditional indicators.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one indicator electrode includes at least one redox material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed towards a battery condition indicator. The battery condition indicator includes at least one indicator electrode, a counter electrode for the at least one indicator electrode, and a separator that is combined with an electrolyte. The at least one indicator electrode is in electrical connection with a first terminal of a battery. The at least one indicator electrode includes at least one redox material. The counter electrode is a second terminal of the battery. The separator that is combined with electrolyte is positioned between the at least one indicator electrode and the counter electrode.