Non-Volatile Timing Device Using Electrodeposit Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing timing devices rely on electronic or mechanical counters, which are volatile and require power to maintain their state, limiting their application in non-volatile timing needs such as delayed activation in weapons or monitoring run-time in electronic systems.
Innovation Solution
A timing device utilizing a conductive metallic electrodeposit on a high resistance solid electrolyte film between electrodes, where the electrodeposit's growth rate is controlled by the applied current, allowing for non-volatile timing without the need for electronic or mechanical counters, and is persistent even when power is removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic or mechanical counters are used for timing, then timing function is achieved, but the device requires continuous power and is volatile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic/mechanical counters with an electrochemical system where a metallic electrodeposit grows through an electrolyte. This physical growth process substitutes for electronic counting mechanisms, enabling non-volatile timing without continuous power since the electrodeposit physically persists after power removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of matter and measurement approach by using physical growth of a metallic electrodeposit rather than electronic state changes. The timing is measured by the physical extent of electrodeposit growth, which remains stable without power, fundamentally changing from volatile electronic parameters to stable physical parameters.
2Device complexity
If electronic or mechanical counters are used, then timing operation is accomplished, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex electronic or mechanical counter components entirely, replacing them with a simple electrochemical cell structure consisting of electrodes, electrolyte, and a metallic source. This extraction eliminates the need for complex timing circuitry while maintaining the timing function through physical electrodeposit growth.
3Measurement precision
If electrodeposit growth is used for timing, then non-volatile timing is achieved, but measurement precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback by continuously monitoring electrical parameters (resistance, capacitance, or current) that change as the electrodeposit grows. This feedback mechanism allows precise measurement of the electrodeposit's progress and enables accurate timing determination when the electrodeposit reaches a predetermined growth level, compensating for variations in growth rate.
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 reliable non-volatile timing functions, suitable for applications like 'fuse' timers and 'odometers' in electronic systems, with the ability to monitor elapsed time and maintain state without continuous power, offering operational flexibility and long-term timing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an electrodeposit forms on the first electrode when a current is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode
Implementation Method 2
The length of the electrodeposit alters the resistance and capacitance of the structure
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are presented for a timing device. The timing device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electrolyte. The electrolyte includes a material selected such that an electrodeposit forms on the first electrode when a current is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. A measurable electrical characteristic of the timing device is indicative of a time-dependent degree of growth of the electrodeposit between the first electrode and the second electrode.