Flexible Current Collector for Lightweight Power Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power storage devices, such as those in portable information terminals, face challenges in reducing weight due to the incorporation of nitride and oxide layers, which are not effectively applied in these devices, limiting weight reduction and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The method involves separating a current collector, typically a metal sheet, at various stages of the manufacturing process, allowing for weight reduction and flexibility by transferring the power storage device to a flexible substrate, and using a solid electrolyte layer to enhance durability and prevent electrolyte leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a metal sheet current collector is used, then structural stability and ease of manufacture are improved, but weight increases and flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector is divided into two parts: a metal sheet current collector used during manufacturing processes and a separate flexible current collector that remains in the final product. This segmentation allows the metal sheet to provide structural stability during production while being removed to reduce weight and increase flexibility in the finished device.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal sheet current collector is extracted from the final product structure. It is used temporarily during manufacturing to support the formation of other layers, then separated and removed, leaving only the flexible current collector and active layers in the final power storage device.
2Ease of manufacture
If a metal sheet current collector is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector system is segmented into a manufacturing-stage metal sheet component and a final-stage flexible current collector component. This allows the metal sheet to facilitate easy manufacturing processes while the flexible component enables the final product to achieve desired flexibility and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal sheet current collector performs preliminary support functions during the manufacturing process, enabling easy formation and handling of the power storage device layers. After serving its preliminary purpose, it is removed, allowing the final device to achieve the flexibility that would not be possible with the rigid metal sheet remaining in place.
3Ease of manufacture
If nitride and oxide layers are incorporated, then manufacturing process is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nitride and oxide layers are extracted from the power storage device structure. While these layers may be useful in other applications for manufacturing purposes, their removal from this specific device reduces weight without significantly impacting the core functionality of the power storage device.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying nitride and oxide layers throughout the device structure, the invention applies these layers selectively or removes them entirely, focusing material usage only where it provides essential functionality. This local quality approach reduces unnecessary weight while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A power storage device is reduced in weight. A metal sheet serving as a negative electrode current collector is separated and another negative electrode current collector is formed. For example, through the step of forming silicon serving as a negative electrode active material layer over a titanium sheet and then performing heating, the titanium sheet can be separated. Then, another negative electrode current collector with a thickness of more than or equal to 10 nm and less than or equal to 1 μm is formed. Thus, light weight of the power storage device can be achieved.