Fiber-Shaped Energy Harvesting and Storage Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber-shaped electric energy harvesting devices typically consist of separate components for energy harvesting and storage, limiting their size reduction and performance enhancement.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a lithium ion storage unit and photoelectric conversion units into a single fiber-shaped device, where the lithium ion storage unit includes a fiber-shaped cathode and anode with aligned multi-wall carbon nanotubes and active material nanoparticles, and the photoelectric conversion units feature a counter electrode, photoanode, and electrolytes arranged in a core-sheath structure around the substrate, enabling serial connection for enhanced energy harvesting and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fiber-shaped energy harvesting and storage devices are manufactured as separate components, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate energy harvesting (photoelectric conversion) and energy storage (lithium ion battery) components into a single integrated fiber-shaped device. The photoelectric conversion units and lithium ion storage unit are structurally merged around a common fiber substrate, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device size while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular assembly around the central substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where photoelectric conversion units and lithium ion storage components are arranged concentrically around a central fiber substrate. The cathode and anode wind around the substrate, with electrolyte-filled spaces nested between layers, creating a compact nested architecture that minimizes device volume while preserving manufacturing simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If fiber-shaped devices use conventional separate component structures, then ease of manufacture is improved, but performance and energy density deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By merging photoelectric conversion and lithium ion storage functions into a single integrated device, the patent enables direct coupling between energy generation and storage components. This integration improves performance through optimized energy transfer efficiency and enhanced energy density, while the modular design around a central substrate maintains ease of manufacture.
3Productivity
If photoelectric conversion units are integrated around the lithium ion storage unit, then energy harvesting efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a nested concentric structure where photoelectric conversion units are arranged around the lithium ion storage unit in an organized manner. This nested architecture improves energy harvesting efficiency through optimized light absorption and energy transfer pathways, while the systematic arrangement reduces structural complexity compared to random or distributed configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the fiber-shaped device into distinct functional segments: a central substrate, winded cathode and anode layers, and surrounding photoelectric conversion units. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall device simplicity through modular assembly.
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 integrated device achieves high photoelectric conversion efficiency and energy storage capability, suitable for flexible and wearable electronic applications, with improved performance and reduced size.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of photoelectric conversion units disposed to surround the lithium ion storage unit
Implementation Method 2
a lithium ion storage unit disposed to surround the substrate
Implementation Method 3
each of the cathode and the anode may include aligned multi-wall carbon nanotubes ('MWCNT's) and active material nanoparticles attached to the MWCNTs
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber-shaped electric energy harvesting and storage device includes a substrate having a fiber shape, a lithium ion storage unit disposed to surround the substrate, and a plurality of photoelectric conversion units disposed to surround the lithium ion storage unit.