Layered Energy Storage Devices with Interlock Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy storage devices in aircraft are limited by spatial and weight constraints, leading to reduced energy storage capacity and increased size and weight, as they are often separated from energy-consuming systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of layered energy storage devices, which integrate a first electrode, a second electrode, and an intermediate electrolyte layer with an interlock structure, allowing for spatial and electrical separation while facilitating ion transport and mechanical flexibility, enabling integration within structural components of aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional energy storage devices are used as separate components in aircraft, then they can be easily manufactured and installed, but they increase overall size and weight while reducing energy storage density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy storage devices into a single integrated layered device where first and second electrodes are stacked with intermediate layers containing electrolytes. This merging of separate components into one unified structure increases energy storage density while reducing overall weight and volume compared to using multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional planar or cylindrical battery geometries to a layered three-dimensional structure with multiple stacked device layers. This dimensional reorganization allows for more efficient space utilization and higher energy storage density within the same footprint, addressing the weight and volume constraints in aircraft applications.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional energy storage devices are positioned away from energy-consuming systems due to spatial constraints, then weight distribution is improved, but energy transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The layered energy storage device integrates multiple functional components (electrodes, electrolytes, interlock structures) into a single compact unit that can be positioned close to energy-consuming systems. This integration enables efficient energy transmission while the modular layered design keeps the device complexity manageable through standardized construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate layers in the layered device serve multiple functions: they provide electrical isolation between electrodes, contain electrolytes for ion transport, and include interlock structures for mechanical assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying integration while improving energy transmission efficiency.
3Volume of moving object
If layered energy storage devices are integrated within structural components, then space utilization improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device is divided into discrete layered components (first device layer, second device layer, intermediate layers) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled using interlock structures. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual layers while achieving high space utilization when integrated into structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate layers act as mediators between the first and second device layers, providing electrical isolation, ion transport pathways, and mechanical interlocking features. These intermediary components facilitate the integration of layered structures into space-constrained applications while maintaining manufacturability through standardized interfaces.
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 energy storage density, reduces overall size and weight, and allows for closer integration with energy-consuming systems, improving the efficiency and performance of energy storage within aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
The intermediate layer includes an electrolyte material configured to facilitate ion transport between the first electrode and the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Layered energy storage devices and methods of forming the layered energy storage devices are disclosed herein. The layered energy storage devices include a first device layer, a second device layer, an intermediate layer, and an interlock structure. The first device layer defines a first electrode, and the second device layer defines a second electrode. The intermediate layer extends between, and electrically separates, the first electrode and the second electrode. The intermediate layer includes an electrolyte material configured to facilitate ion transport between the first electrode and the second electrode. The interlock structure is at least partially defined by the first device layer and also by the second device layer. The interlock structure is configured to operatively interlock the first device layer, the second device layer, and the intermediate layer to one another. The methods include methods of forming the layered energy storage devices.