Galvanic Cell Boost Converter for Ion Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for everyday devices like toothbrushes and shavers to incorporate health-improving functionalities such as ion or mineral release without increasing complexity and cost, and to operate without an integrated power source like a battery.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical device with a galvanic cell and boost converter that uses an external fluid as an electrolyte to power electric-powered devices, releasing ions and microcurrents, and can be integrated into various products like toothbrushes, shavers, and disinfection devices, utilizing electrodes made from materials like gold, silver, and zinc.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an integrated power source like a battery is used to power health-improving functionalities, then the device can operate independently, but the product complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses the external fluid (water, saliva, sweat) that is already present in the usage environment as the electrolyte for the galvanic cell, eliminating the need for pre-filled electrolyte reservoirs or separate power source maintenance. The system serves itself by using ambient resources
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the power source functionality from the traditional battery-based system and replaces it with a galvanic cell that converts chemical energy from the external fluid directly into electrical energy, removing the need for integrated batteries while maintaining independent operation
2Reliability
If an integrated power source like a battery is used to power health-improving functionalities, then the device can operate independently, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the expensive battery component from the device architecture and replaces it with a galvanic cell system that uses externally available fluids, significantly reducing bill of materials costs while maintaining independent operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The galvanic cell design allows the same basic structure to work with multiple types of external fluids (water, saliva, sweat), making the device universally applicable across different usage scenarios without requiring fluid-specific power sources
3Device complexity
If electrodes are exposed to external fluid to generate power, then no battery is needed, but the device requires external fluid contact
Solution Approach 1:
The device leverages the fact that the external fluid (water, saliva, sweat) is naturally present during normal usage of the device, so no separate fluid application step is needed. The system automatically utilizes the ambient fluid environment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the power generation function with the existing fluid contact that occurs during normal device operation (e.g., toothbrush contact with saliva, shaver contact with water), combining two necessary conditions into one seamless operation
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
Enables the release of ions and microcurrents for health benefits, such as disinfection and iontophoresis, without the need for a battery, reducing product complexity and cost while enhancing user experience and health outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a first and a second electrode adapted for providing a galvanic cell when the first and second electrode are exposed to an external fluid, the external fluid constituting an electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
a boost converter adapted for amplifying a potential generated between the first electrode and the second electrode
Implementation Method 3
the second and the third electrode, when exposed to the fluid constituting an electrolyte, being adapted for providing an electrolytic cell powered by the galvanic cell
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrochemical device for releasing ions, comprising an electrical circuit comprising a first electrode and a second electrode adapted for providing a galvanic cell when the electrodes are exposed to a fluid constituting an electrolyte, and a boost converter adapted for amplifying a potential generated between the first and the second electrode. The electrical circuit further comprises a third electrode connected with an output side of the boost converter, wherein the second and the third electrode constitutes an electrolytic cell powered by the galvanic cell when the electrodes are exposed to a fluid. The present invention further relates to devices, such as a toothbrush or a shaver, adapted for being used in connection with a fluid, comprising such electrochemical device for releasing ions.