Electronic Enclosure With Integrated Energy Storage Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery technologies for electronic devices are limited by large size, weight, flammability, explosiveness, toxicity, and environmental impact, leading to increased regulatory costs and environmental pollution.
Innovation Solution
An enclosure for electronic devices integrating a layered structure of aluminum metal or alloy, electrolyte gel, and activated carbon coated steel mesh, functioning as an energy storage device, which reduces size and weight, is non-flammable, non-explosive, and recyclable, with the electrolyte gel comprising silica and KOH or NaCl solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional Li-metal/ion batteries are used in electronic devices, then energy storage capacity is achieved, but device size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery components (anode, cathode, electrolyte) directly into the enclosure structure, making the enclosure serve dual purposes as both protective housing and energy storage device. This eliminates the need for separate battery compartments and reduces overall device weight while maintaining energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection for internal components and simultaneously serves as the energy storage device. The aluminum alloy enclosure with integrated electrode layers and electrolyte gel creates a universal structure that replaces both the traditional battery and the protective housing.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional Li-metal/ion batteries are used in electronic devices, then energy storage capacity is achieved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery components are merged directly into the enclosure walls, with electrode layers applied to the inner surfaces and electrolyte gel filling the internal cavity. This integration eliminates wasted space and allows the device volume to be optimized for both protection and energy storage functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin film layers of electrodes (anode and cathode) applied to the enclosure interior surfaces, maximizing the use of available volume without requiring thick battery components. This approach maintains energy storage capacity while minimizing volume occupation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional Li-metal/ion batteries are used in electronic devices, then energy storage is provided, but flammability and explosiveness hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the energy storage system by using aluminum alloy as the anode material and activated carbon as the cathode, replacing conventional Li-metal/ion chemistry. The electrolyte is changed from liquid to gel form, fundamentally altering the system's safety characteristics while maintaining energy storage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful liquid electrolyte into a gel form, which eliminates leakage risks and reduces flammability. The aluminum-air chemistry replaces lithium chemistry, transforming a high-risk energy storage system into a safer one while still providing adequate energy storage for the device.
4Use of energy by moving object
If conventional Li-metal/ion batteries are used in electronic devices, then energy storage capacity is achieved, but manufacturing and transportation costs increase due to regulatory requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters to use non-hazardous materials (aluminum alloy, activated carbon, gel electrolyte) that do not trigger dangerous goods classifications. This eliminates complex regulatory compliance requirements, simplifies manufacturing procedures, and reduces transportation costs while maintaining energy storage capacity.
5Use of energy by moving object
If conventional Li-metal/ion batteries are used in electronic devices, then energy storage is provided, but environmental pollution increases due to non-recyclability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the energy storage system using materials that can be easily recovered and recycled. The aluminum alloy enclosure and electrodes can be reclaimed, and the gel electrolyte can be disposed of without environmental harm. This creates a circular economy approach where materials are recovered rather than discarded, eliminating environmental pollution.
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 integrated energy storage solution reduces device size and weight, eliminates hazardous materials, and lowers manufacturing and maintenance costs while being environmentally friendly and compliant with regulations.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy, the at least one layer of an electrolyte gel, and the at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh act together as an energy storage device
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure for an electronic device comprising at least a portion of the enclosure made up of at least one layer of a covering material, at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy, at least one layer of an electrolyte gel, and at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh. The at least one layer of aluminum metal or alloy, the at least one layer of an electrolyte gel, and the at least one layer of activated carbon coated steel mesh act together as an energy storage device.