Micro-battery Glass Separator Insulation Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional micro-batteries using thin polymer layers for insulation between anode and cathode current collectors face reliability concerns, necessitating a more effective insulation method to enhance battery reliability and lifetime.

Innovation Solution

Employing a pre-cut glass body as a separator between the anode and cathode current collectors, which includes vertical through holes to house battery materials, providing excellent insulation and improved reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a thin polymer layer is used for insulation between anode and cathode current collectors, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidinsulation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from polymer to glass, fundamentally altering the insulation properties. Glass provides higher thermal stability, chemical inertness, and mechanical strength compared to thin polymer layers, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structure where glass is integrated with metal current collectors and electrolyte materials. The glass body serves as both structural support and insulation barrier, creating a multi-functional composite system that enhances overall battery reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a pre-cut glass body is used as separator, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation reliabilityVSAvoidcutting precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The glass body is pre-cut with through-holes before assembly, allowing precise positioning of electrodes and electrolyte. This preliminary preparation enables better control over component placement and reduces assembly complexity, offsetting the initial cutting precision requirement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pre-cut glass body acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates the assembly of other components. The through-holes serve as guides and holders for electrodes, while the glass itself provides the insulation function, mediating between structural requirements and electrical isolation needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10505160B2Micro-battery using glass package
Publication Date: 2019.12.10 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US10505160B2 patent drawing
  • US10505160B2 patent drawing
  • US10505160B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A pre-cut glass body is employed as a separator between an anode current collector and a cathode current collector of a micro-battery. The use of a pre-cut glass body in micro-battery applications provides excellent insulation for the micro-battery and can also result in enhanced battery reliability and lifetime.