Common Electrode Integrating Energy Harvesting and Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices lack an integrated solution for both energy harvesting and storage, requiring separate components and processes that are not efficiently combined.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus integrating a charge storage component and an energy harvesting component via a common electrode, allowing for simultaneous energy harvesting and storage, with examples including a battery and solar cell configuration where the common electrode functions as both anode and cathode, enabling flexible and efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate components are used for energy harvesting and storage, then device functionality is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the energy harvesting component and charge storage component into a single integrated apparatus by forming both components on opposite sides of a common electrode. The common electrode serves dual functions as the cathode for the energy harvesting component and the anode for the charge storage component, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The common electrode performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the cathode for the energy harvesting component (receiving electrons during energy generation) and as the anode for the charge storage component (storing electrons during charging). This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate components are used for energy harvesting and storage, then device functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process merges the formation of energy harvesting and charge storage components into a single integrated process. Both components are formed on opposite sides of the same common electrode substrate, allowing simultaneous or sequential fabrication in one manufacturing run rather than requiring separate assembly of distinct components.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct formation steps for each component on opposite sides of the common electrode, allowing independent optimization of each component's fabrication while maintaining overall process integration. This enables specialized manufacturing techniques for each component type while still achieving cost-effective production.
3Productivity
If a common electrode is used for both charge storage and energy harvesting, then integration efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process segments the formation of the common electrode into distinct regions or sides, where one side is processed for the energy harvesting component and the opposite side for the charge storage component. This segmentation allows different precision requirements to be applied to different regions, optimizing both integration efficiency and manufacturability.
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 solution enables flexible and efficient energy harvesting and storage, allowing for continuous charging and utilization of energy, with the ability to be manufactured using roll-to-roll processes for cost-effective production.
Implementation Method 1
an energy harvesting component on a second side of the common electrode, opposing the first side
Implementation Method 2
a charge storage component on a first side of a common electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a charge storage component; and an energy harvesting component wherein the charge storage component and the energy harvesting component are integrated via a common electrode.