Elastomeric Electrode Connection via Conductive Fluid Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection assemblies fail to maintain a reliable, low resistance connection between stretchable electrodes on elastomeric sheets and non-deformable conductors like stainless steel, leading to fatigue failure and inconsistent voltage due to repetitive stretching and relaxation.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connection assembly is formed by creating a cavity with conductive fluid, such as an electrolyte, between the elastomeric sheet's electrodes and a stiff conductor, ensuring continuous contact and low resistance through shape changes, using conductive fluid to maintain electrical engagement despite movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid conductor is directly connected to a stretchable electrode, then electrical connection is established, but the connection reliability deteriorates due to fatigue failure from repetitive stretching
Solution Approach 1:
A compliant intermediary component is introduced between the rigid conductor and the stretchable electrode. This intermediary can deform elastically to accommodate the stretching motion while maintaining continuous electrical contact, preventing fatigue failure of the rigid conductor and ensuring reliable connection throughout the device's operational life.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a stretchable electrode repeatedly deforms, then wave energy conversion is enabled, but electrical engagement with the conductor becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant intermediary maintains consistent electrical engagement by deforming with the electrode while keeping contact with the conductor, allowing the electrode to freely stretch and relax for wave energy conversion without compromising connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assembly is designed to be dynamic, allowing the intermediary component to change its shape and position in response to electrode deformation. This dynamic adaptation ensures continuous electrical contact throughout the stretching and relaxation cycles.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid conductor is used for electrical connection, then structural stability is provided, but the conductor cannot accommodate repetitive shape changes
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant intermediary serves as a buffer between the rigid conductor and the deformable electrode, allowing the conductor to maintain its structural stability while the intermediary absorbs all the deformation stress through its own elastic properties.
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 a reliable, low-resistance electrical connection that maintains contact between stretchable electrodes and rigid conductors, preventing fatigue failure and ensuring consistent power generation from wave movements.
Implementation Method 1
As the sheet of elastomeric material deflects so the cavity walls deflect, the conductive fluid moves in the cavity but remains in contact with both the walls of the cavity and the stainless steel cable
Implementation Method 2
places an electrically conductive fluid such as an electrolyte in the cavity
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
Figure 8~9
AI summary
An electrical connection assembly (70, Figs.4-7) connects a cable conductor (82) of stiff material such as a copper wire, to a deformable electrode (34, Fig. 5) that lies at the surface of a sheet of elastomeric material (74). The connector assembly includes deflectable elastomeric walls that form a cavity (76) that holds an electrically conductive fluid (84) such as an electrolyte that surrounds and engages the stiff conductor (82) and that engages the elastic electrode (34) as it deflects.