Flexible Conductive Polymer Electrodes for Wearable Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current energy storage technologies for wearable electronics are inadequate due to their lack of flexibility and stretchability, as most are in the form of bulk solid pieces, and existing flexible batteries are limited by electrode material delamination and inability to stretch.

Innovation Solution

A flexible electrical storage apparatus comprising a substrate of electrically insulating material with an electrically conductive polymer, which is retained by the substrate to form electrodes, allowing for reversible stretching and bending, using textile materials like cotton, polyester, or lycra, and incorporating active materials such as carbon nanoparticles or metal nanowires, with a gel or liquid electrolyte for enhanced flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If bulk solid energy storage technologies are used, then energy storage capacity is sufficient, but flexibility and stretchability are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storage capacityVSAvoidflexibility and stretchability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode is segmented into multiple discrete conductive polymer beads or particles rather than using a continuous bulk structure. These segmented elements are distributed across the flexible substrate, allowing the electrode to bend and stretch while maintaining electrical connectivity through the conductive polymer network.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a flexible substrate (such as a textile or thin film) to support the electrode structure, replacing rigid bulk solid forms. This flexible substrate enables the energy storage device to conform to curved surfaces and undergo deformation without compromising structural integrity or energy storage function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If thin-film flexible batteries are used, then flexibility is improved, but electrode material delamination occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidelectrode material delamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a porous conductive polymer matrix that can accommodate volume changes and mechanical deformation. This porous structure provides mechanical interlocking between the electrode materials and the substrate, preventing delamination while maintaining flexibility and electrical conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode is constructed as a composite material system combining conductive polymer beads/particles with a flexible substrate material. This composite structure integrates the electrical conductivity of the polymer with the mechanical flexibility and adhesion properties of the substrate, preventing delamination during flexing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If stretchable materials are used, then flexibility and stretchability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestretchabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive polymer beads or particles self-organize and form conductive networks within the flexible substrate during assembly. This self-organizing behavior simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for complex precise positioning or alignment processes, while still achieving the desired stretchable conductive electrode structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 enables the creation of flexible and stretchable energy storage devices suitable for wearable electronics, capable of reversible strain up to 100% tensile strain and 180° bending, addressing the limitations of existing technologies by maintaining performance and comfort in flexible and dynamic applications.

Implementation Method 1

the electrically conductive polymer provides an electrical path for electrons which are generated and/or stored by the electrical storage apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The electrically conductive polymer may be retained by the flexible substrate by being absorbed into the fibres of the flexible substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS9362565B2Apparatus and associated methods

Publication Date: 2016.06.07 LYTEN INC

AI summary

An apparatus including a flexible substrate of electrically insulating material, and an electrically conductive polymer, wherein the electrically conductive polymer is retained by the flexible substrate to form together at least part of an electrode of an electrical storage apparatus such that the electrically conductive polymer provides an electrical path for electrons which are generated and/or stored by the electrical storage apparatus.