Flexible Power Storage Device with Segmented Bare Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thin sheet-type batteries face challenges in achieving high capacity while maintaining flexibility, as reducing thickness to ensure flexibility results in reduced electric capacity, and increasing capacity by adding electrodes or size compromises bending or curving capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A power storage device design featuring a laminated structure with multiple bare cells separated by thermoplastic resin partitions, allowing for independent encapsulation of electrolyte and enabling bending or curving without material loss, combined with insulation resin films for insulation and physical strength, and exposed metal foil portions for terminal formation, eliminating the need for conventional lead wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the thickness of the battery is reduced to ensure flexibility, then the flexibility is improved, but the electric capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is divided into multiple individual spaces separated by partition sealing portions, with each space containing a bare cell. This segmentation allows the battery to maintain flexibility through thin construction while achieving high capacity by aggregating multiple cells in parallel configuration.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of stacking electrodes is increased to increase capacity, then the electric capacity is improved, but the ability to be curved or bent is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing capacity by stacking electrodes in the thickness direction (which would reduce flexibility), the invention arranges multiple bare cells side-by-side in parallel within the plane of the thin battery structure. This dimensional reconfiguration enables high capacity while preserving the thin, flexible form factor.
3Quantity of substance
If the size of the electrode is increased to increase capacity, then the electric capacity is improved, but the device size becomes large which limits mounting options
Solution Approach 1:
The battery employs thin metal foil layers and resin films to create a flexible, thin-profile structure that can be bent or curved. Multiple bare cells are arranged in parallel within this thin envelope, achieving high capacity without increasing the overall battery thickness or compromising flexibility for mounting on various electronic devices.
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 design achieves high capacity, flexibility, and extended usage time for bendable electronic devices by maintaining performance during repeated bending and curving operations, reducing production costs, and enhancing durability and insulation properties.
Implementation Method 1
A peripheral edge region of one surface of the first metal foil layer and a peripheral edge region of one surface of the second metal foil layer are joined via a periphery sealing portion containing a thermoplastic resin. Partition regions between adjacent bare cells are joined via partition sealing portions containing a thermoplastic resin.
Implementation Method 2
At least a part of a region of the one surface of the first foil layer corresponding to each individual space is provided with a first metal foil inner exposed portion in which the first metal foil is exposed, and in each individual space, the first metal foil inner exposed portion and the positive electrode portion of the bare cell are electrically connected.
Data Source
AI summary
In an external member, peripheral edge regions of first and second metal foil layers are joined via a periphery sealing portion containing thermoplastic resin. A plurality of bare cells are arranged separately in internal spaces surrounded by the first metal foil layer, the second metal foil layer and the periphery sealing portion. The partition region of the first metal foil layer between adjacent bare cells and the partition region of the second metal foil layer between adjacent bare cells are joined via the partition sealing portion. Thus, the internal space is partitioned into a plurality of independent individual spaces. At each individual space, the first metal foil inner exposed portion and the positive electrode portion are connected electrically, and the negative electrode portion of the second metal foil inner exposed portion and the bare cell are connected electrically. The bare cell and electrolyte are encapsulated in each individual space.