3D Interlocking Electrode Geometries for Micro Battery Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micro lithium-ion batteries face challenges in achieving high power and energy density due to limited capacity, primarily because of difficulties in loading sufficient active materials within small spaces, leading to increased internal resistance and reduced cyclability.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates interlocking electrode geometries, such as hook-shaped or comb-like teeth, optimized using a multi-dimensional transmission line model to minimize internal resistance while maintaining separator volume, allowing for improved power and capacity by enhancing the interface between electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If micro lithium-ion battery size is reduced for small form factor devices, then device portability is improved, but battery capacity and energy density decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional planar electrodes to three-dimensional interlocking electrode structures with hook-shaped or comb-like geometries. This dimensional change allows the electrodes to pack more active material within the same footprint area, effectively increasing the battery capacity without increasing the overall device volume. The interlocking 3D structures utilize vertical space more efficiently, loading sufficient active materials in a small space as required by the invention.
2Quantity of substance
If more active materials are loaded into small battery space to increase capacity, then energy density is improved, but internal resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrodes are segmented into multiple interlocking components with hook-shaped or comb-like teeth structures. This segmentation creates numerous distributed contact points between electrodes, allowing current to flow through multiple parallel pathways. The segmented design reduces current density at any single point and minimizes overall internal resistance while accommodating high active material loading in the 3D structure.
Solution Approach 2:
By moving from 2D planar electrodes to 3D interlocking structures, the patent increases the effective surface area and contact points between electrodes without increasing the footprint. The vertical dimension provides additional pathways for ion and electron transport, reducing internal resistance while maintaining high active material density.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional planar electrode geometry is used, then manufacturing is simple, but power and capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs 3D interlocking electrode geometries with hook-shaped or comb-like teeth that extend in the vertical dimension. This dimensional change dramatically increases the effective surface area and active material volume within the same device footprint, enabling higher power and capacity output compared to conventional planar electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes are divided into multiple interlocking segments with teeth and hooks that create distributed contact points. This segmentation increases the effective reaction surface area and improves power delivery by providing multiple parallel current pathways, while still being manufacturable using standard battery fabrication techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to a battery. In one embodiment, a battery includes a first collector plate and a second collector plate arranged in parallel and spaced apart by an internal distance. The battery includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed between the first collector and the second collector. The first electrode and the second electrode have a geometry that improves power and capacity of the battery. The battery further includes a separator disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.