Flexible Polymer Sheet Storage Device with 2D Material Anode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Storage devices, such as assembled batteries, face limitations due to limited contact areas between anodes, leading to reduced performance and increased current flow resistance, and rigid electrical connections that restrict their applicability.
Innovation Solution
The use of a storage device comprising a plurality of unit cells with inner and outer surfaces, where the inner surface is coated with a flexible polymer sheet containing a two-dimensional material like graphene for the anode and the outer surface with a flexible metal sheet for the cathode, arranged between electrically conductive plates, allowing for increased contact area and reduced resistance through the use of two-dimensional materials like graphene, molybdenum disulphide, or black phosphorus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid electrical connections are used between unit cells, then structural stability is maintained, but contact area is limited and current flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional rigid electrical connections with flexible thin film structures. The unit cells are connected through flexible polymer sheets that maintain structural stability while providing extended contact areas, thereby reducing current flow resistance without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from point-to-point rigid connections to surface-to-surface contact through flexible films. This dimensional expansion from 0D/1D connections to 2D contact areas significantly increases the effective contact area between unit cells, reducing resistance while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional rigid electrical connections are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but applicability and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible polymer sheets serve as both connection media and protective enclosures, enabling the storage device to adapt to various shapes and applications. This flexibility maintains ease of manufacture through simple lamination processes while dramatically expanding applicability to flexible electronics, wearable devices, and conformal energy storage solutions.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional battery assembly methods are used, then manufacturing process simplicity is maintained, but contact area between anodes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the separator and connection functions into a single flexible polymer sheet structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate connection components, maintains manufacturing simplicity through a single lamination process, while simultaneously providing extended contact areas between anodes for improved electrical performance.
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 configuration enhances electrical current flow efficiency, provides durability against external pressure, reduces weight, and enables energy-efficient power supply for devices like smartphones and electric cars, while avoiding the need for additional connection means like wires.
Implementation Method 1
The first electrically conductive plate comprises a two dimensional material. The inner surface comprises a flexible polymer sheet with an anode material and the outer surface comprises a flexible metal sheet with a cathode material
Implementation Method 2
A separator is configured to be arranged between the inner surface and the outer surface
Implementation Method 3
The inner surface comprises a flexible polymer sheet with an anode material and the outer surface comprises a flexible metal sheet with a cathode material
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides storage device (200) for providing electrical power. The storage device (200) comprises a plurality of unit cells (1, 2, 3), wherein each of the unit cells (1, 2, 3) comprises an inner surface (11) and an outer surface (12), wherein the inner surface (11) of each of the unit cells (1, 2, 3) is configured to provide an electrical contact with a first electrically conductive plate (10) and the outer surface (12) of each of the unit cells (1, 2, 3) is configured to provide an electrical contact with a second electrically conductive plate (20). The plurality of unit cells (1, 2, 3) are configured to be arranged between the first and second electrically conductive plates (10, 20) and the first electrically conductive plate (10) comprises a two dimensional material. The present invention further provides a corresponding method.