Integrated Circuit Board Fuel Cell Power Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional miniaturized fuel cells face challenges with fragility, high cost, unreliable raw material supply, and electrolyte leakage, which hinder miniaturization and integration in electronic devices, and result in increased power consumption due to separate semiconductor packages and power sources.
Innovation Solution
A circuit board with a power source integrating a fuel cell, featuring a carrier board with dielectric and circuit layers, including exposed electrode pads, insulating frames, and porous electrode plates, which reduces space occupation and power consumption by shortening electrical connections and using conductive vias, and incorporates multi-module chips for versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional miniaturized fuel cells are used, then power generation function is achieved, but the device is fragile and susceptible to cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fuel cell structure with the circuit board structure into a single integrated device. The fuel cell anode and cathode are formed as conductive layers on the circuit board, eliminating the need for separate fuel cell housing and reducing structural complexity that leads to fragility and cracking in conventional miniaturized fuel cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board serves multiple functions: it provides both the electrical circuit pathways and the structural support for the fuel cell components. The dielectric layers and conductive layers of the circuit board simultaneously function as insulation, connection, and mechanical framework, reducing the number of separate components that could fail.
2Use of energy by moving object
If separate semiconductor packages and power source components are used, then functional modularity is achieved, but power consumption increases due to long electrical connection paths
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the power source (fuel cell) directly into the circuit board structure, the patent eliminates long external electrical connection paths between separate semiconductor packages and power sources. The conductive layers are formed in-situ on the same substrate, minimizing resistance and power loss while reducing assembly complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If fuel cells are disposed within metal frames, then structural support is provided, but space occupation increases and miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board substrate serves dual purposes: it provides the electrical circuit pathways and simultaneously acts as the structural support framework that previously required separate metal frames. This eliminates the need for additional framing components, reducing overall volume and enabling miniaturization while maintaining structural integrity.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional fuel cell fabrication is used, then power generation is achieved, but manufacturing cost is high and mass production is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fuel cell fabrication with standard circuit board manufacturing processes. The conductive layers forming the fuel cell electrodes are deposited using conventional PCB techniques, allowing both components to be manufactured simultaneously in the same production line, reducing cost and improving raw material supply reliability through established industrial processes.
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 integrated circuit board with a fuel cell is compact, reliable, and cost-effective, reducing power consumption and susceptibility to cracking, while enabling multi-module integration and mass production, thus addressing the limitations of conventional miniaturized fuel cells.
Implementation Method 1
the fuel cell generates electricity by combining oxygen and hydrogen to form water
Implementation Method 2
Reactants at the anode 13 and the cathode 15, driven by oxidation-reduction potential and in the presence of a catalyst, undergo the following reactions
Implementation Method 3
all the fuel cells substantially have an anode, a cathode, and solid or liquid electrolyte between the anode and the cathode
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit board having a power source is provided, including: a carrier board having a first dielectric layer disposed on at least a surface thereof and a first circuit layer disposed on the first dielectric layer, wherein the first circuit layer has at least an electrode pad; a first electrode plate disposed on the electrode pad; an insulating frame member disposed on the first electrode plate, with a portion of the first electrode plate being exposed from the insulating frame member, wherein electrolyte is received in the insulating frame member and in contact with the first electrode plate; and a porous second electrode plate disposed on the insulating frame member and the electrolyte, the second electrode plate being in contact with the electrolyte, so as to provide the power source for the circuit board.