Curved Battery Shape Retention via Distributed Restraining Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cylindrical or cuboidal batteries in consumer electronic devices, such as head-mounted and wearable devices, lead to constrained battery placement, larger product size, and poor ergonomics, which can be addressed by using curved batteries that conform to the user's body shape, but these curved batteries tend to lose their shape over time due to flattening forces.
Innovation Solution
The use of curved battery cells with distributed mechanical forces applied through restraining members, such as adhesives and rigid materials, to maintain their shape and allow for swelling, ensuring the battery retains its curvature over its lifetime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If curved batteries are used to conform to user's body shape, then ergonomics and device integration are improved, but the battery loses its shape over time due to flattening forces
Solution Approach 1:
The restraining force is divided into multiple attachment points distributed across the battery surface. Instead of a single constraint, multiple restraining members are attached at different locations to collectively maintain the curved shape while allowing natural swelling, resolving the contradiction between shape retention and ergonomic flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
A restraining member acts as an intermediary element between the battery and the device housing. This intermediary applies distributed mechanical forces to counteract flattening while allowing the battery to maintain its curved shape and accommodate swelling, thus preserving both ergonomics and shape stability
2Stability of the object's composition
If restraining forces are applied to maintain battery curvature, then shape retention is improved, but mechanical failure and distortion may occur without proper distribution
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the battery surface receive different restraining forces based on local requirements. The restraining members are strategically positioned to apply forces where needed most to maintain curvature, while allowing other regions to accommodate swelling, thus preventing mechanical failure while retaining shape
Solution Approach 2:
The restraining system is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing the battery to naturally swell and expand while maintaining its overall curved shape. The restraining members flex and adjust to accommodate battery expansion, preventing mechanical failure while preserving shape retention
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
This solution allows for better ergonomics and balance in wearable devices while maintaining the battery's shape and functionality, preventing mechanical failure and distortion.
Implementation Method 1
curved batteries that conform to the user's body shape, but these curved batteries tend to lose their shape over time due to flattening forces. The use of curved battery cells with distributed mechanical forces applied through restraining members, such as adhesives and rigid materials, to maintain their shape
Data Source
AI summary
A curved battery pack may include (1) a housing comprising a curved surface and (2) a curved battery shaped to conform to the curved surface. The curved battery may be positioned relative to the curved surface such that the curved surface applies a force that counteracts a flattening force experienced by the curved battery. Various other apparatus, systems, and methods are also disclosed.