Point-of-Use Microbattery with Sealed Electrolyte Reservoir
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biocompatible microbatteries used in devices like Lab-On-a-Chip diagnostic devices and smart contact lenses face challenges with low power output and short shelf life due to the use of biofluids as electrolytes, leading to inefficiencies and rapid self-discharge, which affects their performance and usability in medical applications.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible electronic device with a sealed housing containing a microbattery and an access port sealed by a removable tab, allowing biofluids to activate the microbattery only at the point of use, thereby extending shelf life and improving power output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If biofluids are used as electrolytes in microbatteries, then the microbatteries can be activated at point of use, but the shelf life is reduced due to rapid self-discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The microbattery is divided into separate compartments: an anode compartment, a cathode compartment, and an electrolyte reservoir. The electrolyte is physically separated from the electrodes during storage, preventing self-discharge. When activated, the electrolyte is introduced to the electrodes to enable power generation. This segmentation allows long shelf life while maintaining the ability to activate at point of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte is extracted from the electrode compartment and stored separately in a reservoir. This extraction prevents the electrolyte from contacting the electrodes during storage, eliminating self-discharge and extending shelf life. The electrolyte is then reintroduced to the electrodes at activation to restore full functionality.
2Power
If the microbattery is activated early, then power is available immediately, but the device cannot be stored for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The microbattery components (electrodes and electrolyte) are prepared in advance and assembled in a sealed housing, but the electrolyte is held in reserve and not introduced to the electrodes until activation. This preliminary preparation allows the device to be manufactured and stored ready-for-use, while the electrolyte introduction is delayed until the moment of activation to prevent power loss during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte is introduced locally to the electrode compartments only when and where needed for activation. During storage, the electrolyte remains isolated in its reservoir, and the electrodes remain in a dormant state. This localized introduction ensures that power is available immediately upon activation while maintaining long-term storage capability.
3Reliability
If biocompatible materials are used for electrodes, then the device is safe for medical applications, but the power density is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The microbattery uses composite electrode structures combining biocompatible materials (such as magnesium, aluminum, or zinc alloys) with conductive coatings or surface treatments. These composite structures maintain biocompatibility while enhancing electrochemical reactivity and power density. The electrolyte composition is also optimized to work synergistically with these biocompatible electrode materials to maximize power output.
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
The solution enables the biocompatible electronic device to maintain extended storage without activation, ensuring reliable power delivery when needed, enhancing the device's usability and performance by minimizing self-discharge and optimizing power density.
Implementation Method 1
the anode and the cathode of the microbattery are provided in alternating and interdigitated fashion... an electrolyte to activate the microbattery in order to provide the necessary electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A biocompatible electronic device incorporating a point-of-use-activated microbattery, the biocompatible electronic device comprising: a housing; a sealed control electronics chamber formed within the housing; control electronics contained within the sealed control electronics chamber for controlling the operation of the biocompatible electronic device; a sealed electrode chamber formed within the housing; a plurality of electrodes contained within the sealed electrode chamber and connected to the control electronics; an access port formed within the housing for providing fluid access to the interior of the sealed electrode chamber; and a removable tab for selectively sealing the access port; such that, upon removal of the removable tab, a contacting fluid can contact the electrodes and act as an electrolyte for activating the microbattery, whereby to enable the microbattery to power the control electronics for the biocompatible electronic device.