Single-Substrate Liquid Energy Conversion Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy conversion technologies face challenges in commercialization due to structural limitations, such as requiring a narrow and thin channel structure with two facing electrodes, which complicates manufacturing, leads to channel blocking, and necessitates a separate lubricating layer, uses harmful liquids like mercury, and requires an external power source for depolarization.
Innovation Solution
An energy conversion substrate using a single substrate with a first and second electrode patterned with an interval, featuring an energy conversion layer comprising an inorganic and organic material layer with a hydrophobic layer to facilitate changes in contact surface, contact angle, and contact area with ionic liquid or water, eliminating the need for a separate lubricating layer and external power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a narrow and thin channel structure with two facing electrodes is used, then energy conversion can be achieved, but manufacturing becomes difficult and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two facing electrodes into a single substrate, with first and second electrodes patterned on the same side. This eliminates the need for a second substrate and narrow channel structure, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining energy conversion functionality through the liquid bridge between electrodes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a three-dimensional narrow channel structure to a two-dimensional planar configuration. The electrodes are patterned on the surface of a single substrate, and the liquid forms a bridge between them, eliminating the need for deep channel fabrication and reducing manufacturing difficulty
2Power
If a narrow and thin channel structure is used, then energy conversion can be achieved, but liquid circulation becomes difficult and channel blocking occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the two substrates into one, the liquid is no longer confined to a narrow channel but can flow freely across the substrate surface, improving circulation and eliminating channel blocking issues
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid flow path transitions from a constrained one-dimensional channel to a two-dimensional surface, allowing easier circulation and reducing the risk of blocking while maintaining contact with the electrodes for energy conversion
3Reliability
If liquid metal such as mercury or galinstan is used, then conductive liquid can be achieved, but harm to human body and environment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces harmful liquid metals with ionic liquids that have comparable electrical conductivity but are environmentally benign. The ionic liquid maintains the necessary conductive properties for energy conversion while eliminating toxicity and environmental harm
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameter of the conductive liquid from toxic liquid metals to non-toxic ionic liquids, maintaining electrical conductivity while improving safety and environmental compatibility
4Reliability
If a separate lubricating layer is added, then reversible movement can be improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricating function is merged into the energy conversion layer itself, which is formed as an integral part of the substrate structure. This eliminates the need for a separate lubricating layer while maintaining reversible liquid movement and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The energy conversion layer serves multiple functions: it provides the dielectric barrier for capacitance change, reduces friction for liquid movement, and enables reversible motion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate lubricating components
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 simplifies manufacturing, reduces costs, enhances liquid circulation, and enables efficient energy conversion without harmful liquids, while avoiding channel blocking and the need for external power, facilitating mass production and environmental safety.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical energy is generated due to the electrical capacitance change
Implementation Method 2
induces, through the flow of a liquid droplet, a change in at least more than one of the contact surface, the contact area, or the contact angle between the energy conversion layer and the liquid
Implementation Method 3
a hydrophobic material layer is stacked on said layer in order to facilitate the changes in contact surface and contact angle with said ionic liquid or water
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4b
Figure 4c~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to an energy conversion substrate using a liquid and, more specifically, to an energy conversion substrate using a liquid capable of converting mechanical energy into electric energy through a flow of a liquid on a substrate having an energy conversion layer. Thus, the present invention enables easy manufacture and easy liquid circulation to be obtained by implementing an energy conversion device using a liquid through one substrate instead of a pair of opposing substrates and can implement the energy conversion device without a lubricating layer.