Multilayer Composite Energy Storage for Space-Saving Decorative Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power storage devices, such as batteries and accumulators, occupy significant space and do not meet the optical and haptic requirements for decorative surfaces, making them unsuitable for integration into interior design, especially in urban areas where space is limited.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer composite structure with a polymeric intermediate layer containing a first conductor, anode, separator, and cathode, where the separator is ion-permeable and can be replaced by a solid electrolyte, allowing for compact energy storage and release while maintaining a visually appealing surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional power storage devices are installed, then energy storage capacity is improved, but installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage capacityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power storage device with the cladding element into a single integrated structure. The battery components (electrodes, separator, electrolyte) are embedded within the cladding layers, allowing the wall or ceiling to serve dual functions as both decorative covering and energy storage medium, thereby eliminating the need for separate storage spaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cladding element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides decorative surface covering while also serving as an energy storage device. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to fulfill both aesthetic and energy storage requirements, reducing overall space consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If conventional power storage devices are installed, then energy storage capacity is improved, but visual appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage capacityVSAvoidvisual appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the battery structure with the cladding element, the power storage components become integrated within the decorative layers. The top layer with its grain structure and the bottom layer with textile carrier completely enclose and conceal the battery components, making the energy storage function invisible while maintaining aesthetic appearance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The polymeric intermediate layer acts as an intermediary that houses the battery components while being sandwiched between the decorative top layer and the textile bottom layer. This intermediate structure allows the battery to be concealed within the cladding assembly, preserving the visual appearance of the surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of stationary object

If compact energy storage device is used, then installation space is reduced, but protection against short circuits deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidprotection against short circuits
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The separator serves as an intermediary layer between the positive and negative electrodes, providing physical separation and preventing direct contact that would cause short circuits. The separator is impregnated with electrolyte and positioned within the polymeric intermediate layer, ensuring electrical isolation while maintaining ionic conductivity for normal battery operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The separator is extracted as a distinct functional layer within the battery structure, specifically positioned between the electrodes to provide dedicated short circuit protection. This separate protective layer ensures that even in the compact integrated design, adequate protection against electrode contact is maintained

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables efficient energy storage and release over a large area without the need for additional space, providing a visually appealing and haptically compatible solution for integrating power storage into interior designs, including surfaces like walls and ceilings, while preventing overheating and ensuring safety against short circuits.

Implementation Method 1

The separator is arranged as a separating layer between the anode and the cathode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon permeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

at least one polymeric intermediate layer is arranged between the top layer and the bottom layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

A power storage device can be an electrochemical energy storage device, whereby the stored chemical energy is converted into electrical energy upon discharge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy conversion: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP4488064A1Multilayer composite structure
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 BENECKE-KALIKO GMBH
  • EP4488064A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4488064A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4488064A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a multilayer composite structure (1) with a single-layer or multilayer top layer (2) and a single-layer or multilayer bottom layer (4), wherein at least one polymeric intermediate layer (6) is arranged between the top layer (2) and the bottom layer (4). In the polymeric intermediate layer (6) an arrangement (7) is arranged comprising a first conductor (10), at least one anode (8), at least one separator (16), at least one cathode (12), and a second conductor (14), wherein the at least one anode (8) is in electrically conductive contact with the first conductor (10), and wherein the at least one cathode (12) is in electrically conductive contact with the second conductor (14).The separator (16) is arranged as a separating layer between the anode (8) and the cathode (12), wherein the first conductor (10) and the second conductor (14) protrude laterally from the composite structure (1) at least section by section in order to be electrically contactable.