Energy Storage Stack Inkjet Deposition for Parallel Cell Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for forming and processing stacks for energy storage devices, such as solid-state thin film cells, are inefficient, making commercialization difficult due to challenges in forming effective electrical connections and material deposition.
Innovation Solution
A method involving inkjet material deposition of insulating and conductive materials over exposed portions of electrode and electrolyte layers, with laser ablation to create connections, allowing for efficient and reliable parallel connection of cells, reducing material costs and improving production efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If part of the protective layer is removed by etching or a mask is applied to expose current collector portions, then electrical connection between stacked cells is achieved, but the process becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector layers are designed with exposed portions before the protective layer is applied. This preliminary exposure allows direct electrical connection to be established without requiring subsequent etching or masking operations, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The current collector is segmented into different portions: exposed portions for electrical connection and covered portions protected by the protective layer. This segmentation allows the protective layer to be applied uniformly without requiring complex patterning processes, simplifying the overall manufacturing process
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional deposition methods are used for material deposition, then complete coverage is achieved, but deposition efficiency and production speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying material uniformly across the entire substrate, the method targets specific exposed portions of the current collector layers. This localized deposition approach reduces the total deposition area, thereby increasing production efficiency while maintaining precise material placement where needed
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 approach enables efficient and reliable electrical connections between cells, facilitating the production of energy storage devices with high discharge rates and reduced material costs, while maintaining the integrity of the stack layers.
Implementation Method 1
depositing a first material over an exposed portion of the first electrode layer and an exposed portion of the electrolyte layer; and depositing a second material over the first material
Implementation Method 2
with laser ablation to create connections
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprises obtaining a stack for an energy storage device, the stack comprising a first electrode layer and an electrolyte layer. The method comprises depositing a first material over an exposed portion of the first electrode layer and an exposed portion of the electrolyte layer. The method comprises depositing a second material over the first material and to form a second electrode layer of the stack, and to provide an electrical connection from the second electrode layer, for connecting to a further such second electrode layer via the second material. The electrolyte layer is between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. The first material insulates the exposed portions of the first electrode layer and the electrolyte layer from the second material. Also disclosed is an apparatus for maintaining top-down inkjet material deposition.