Modular Energy Storage Device Header Standardization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of implantable medical devices is hindered by lengthy product cycles for energy storage devices due to complex design, testing, and production requirements, including intricate connections that reduce energy density and necessitate extensive research and development.
Innovation Solution
A modular energy storage device design that allows for customer-defined parameters, with a standardized can, electrode package, and header configuration, minimizing head space to maximize energy density, and utilizing pre-proven chemistry and manufacturing processes to reduce development time and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex connections are formed between terminals and electrodes to ensure reliable electrical connectivity, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and energy density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a standardized header assembly containing terminal connections, and separate electrode packages. This segmentation allows the complex connection architecture to be confined to the standardized header, while the electrode packages remain simple and interchangeable.
Solution Approach 2:
The header assembly is pre-configured with all terminal connections and electrical pathways established before final assembly. This preliminary action ensures reliable electrical connectivity is built-in from the start, eliminating the need for complex on-site wiring and reducing assembly complexity.
2Reliability
If more space is allocated for terminal connections and header assembly, then reliability of electrical connections is improved, but energy density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized header assembly serves multiple functions: it provides all electrical terminal connections, serves as the sealing interface for the can, and acts as the mounting structure for electrode packages. This multi-functionality consolidates multiple components into one, reducing overall space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode packages are designed to nest efficiently within the can volume, with the header assembly positioned to minimize dead space. The modular design allows tight packing of components, maximizing the active material volume relative to total device volume.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom design and extensive testing are performed for each specific application, then adaptability to specific medical applications is improved, but product development cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized header assembly and can design serve as universal components that can be paired with various electrode package configurations. This allows the same proven, tested header and can to be used across multiple applications, eliminating the need for redundant design and testing cycles for each specific medical application.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the device into standardized components (header, can) and customizable components (electrode packages), the invention allows rapid adaptation to specific applications by simply changing the electrode package while reusing the standardized portions that have already been validated.
4Manufacturing precision
If extensive research, development, and testing are conducted for new energy storage device configurations, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized header assembly and can design are developed, tested, and validated in advance for multiple applications. This preliminary action ensures high manufacturing precision and reliability are established upfront, allowing rapid production of customized electrode packages without repeating the extensive validation process for each new configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized components serve multiple applications, amortizing the research, development, and testing investments across many products. This universal design approach maintains high quality standards while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating redundant development work.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular energy storage device comprises a customer-defined parameter, such as electrical capacity, a can that has a dimension based on the customer-defined parameter, an electrode package that has properties based on the customer-defined parameter, and a header that has a configuration that is not dependent on the customer-defined parameter. A method for producing the modular energy storage device comprises generating a standardized energy storage device configuration, receiving a customer-defined parameter, and modifying the standardized energy storage device configuration according to the customer-defined parameter. The step of modifying the standardized energy storage device configuration comprises the steps of modifying the electrode package without modifying the location of the current collectors, modifying the length of the can according to the customer-defined parameter, and using the header already developed to complete construction of the modular energy storage device.