Movable Electrode Battery Structure for Switchable Ion Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rechargeable batteries face capacity loss and potential for internal short circuits due to repeated use and improper storage, leading to reduced cycling life and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A rechargeable battery design featuring movable electrodes with switchable ion transfer paths that can be turned on and off, allowing for adjustable ion transfer through rotation or translation, reducing unnecessary intercalation and enhancing charge/discharge cycles and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the battery uses a conventional fixed electrode design with permanent ion exchange path, then the battery structure is simple, but the battery loses capacity over time due to internal stray current and cannot prevent internal short circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecycling lifeVSAvoidbattery structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the electrode movable rather than fixed. The first electrode can translate along a first direction to switch between connected and disconnected states relative to the second electrode. This dynamic configuration allows the ion transfer path to be controlled - connected during charge/discharge cycles and disconnected during storage - thereby preventing capacity loss from internal stray current and extending cycling life without requiring complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the ion transfer path by separating the first electrode into a body portion and an ion transfer region. The ion transfer region extends from the longitudinal axis to a second distance in a radial direction, creating a distinct functional zone that can selectively connect with the second electrode. This segmentation allows precise control over ion transfer while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the battery maintains permanent connection between electrodes for continuous ion transfer, then charge/discharge operation is simple, but internal short circuits and heat generation occur during storage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidion transfer control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The movable first electrode that translates to switch between connected and disconnected states provides dynamic control over the ion transfer path. During charge/discharge operations, the electrode translates to establish connection for ion transfer. During storage, it translates to disconnect, preventing internal short circuits and heat generation. This dynamic mechanism enhances safety while maintaining ease of operation through automatic positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the battery allows continuous ion transfer between electrodes, then charge time is fast, but capacity is lost due to unnecessary intercalation during storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharge timeVSAvoidlithium capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by alternating between connected and disconnected states of the ion transfer path. During charge/discharge cycles, the first electrode translates to connect with the second electrode, enabling fast ion transfer and charging. During storage periods, it translates to disconnect, preventing unnecessary intercalation and capacity loss. This periodic connection/disconnection pattern optimizes both charging speed and capacity retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 design extends the battery's cycling life, reduces heat generation, and minimizes the risk of internal short circuits, resulting in faster charge times and increased safety by controlling ion transfer pathways.

Implementation Method 1

ion transfer between the first and second electrodes is allowed when the first ion transfer region connects with the second electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon transfer: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 2

Both electrodes allow lithium ions to move in and out of their structures with a process called insertion (intercalation) or extraction (deintercalation)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIntercalation: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

The electrolyte and external circuit provide conductive media for lithium ions and electrons, respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 4

electrons move through the external circuit, and then they recombine at the cathode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240055734A1Rechargeable battery with movable electrode

Publication Date: 2024.02.15 RUPPIN ARTHUR ODED

AI summary

A rechargeable battery that is configured to bring two electrodes together when charging or discharging by moving one electrode towards the other and having the two electrodes be apart when not charging or discharging, thus lowering the intercalation of the battery as set up in the customary manner and likely having more charge/discharge cycles and faster charge time as likely the ion transfer throughput can be made larger and there may even be multiple and/or redundant ion transfer paths.