Multi-Electrode Power Source Layout for Higher Voltage Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-sustaining power sources using energy harvesting technologies face challenges in achieving high voltage outputs due to the limitations of small size and weight, and existing battery systems pose risks to human safety and the environment with hazardous electrolytes, requiring complex handling and leakage prevention.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising multiple electrodes with strategically placed mediums to create impedance and distance variations, allowing for increased voltage generation while using safer, non-toxic mediums like water or soil, which enhances the operational efficiency and safety of self-sustaining power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple voltage generating cells are connected in series to obtain high voltage, then the voltage output is improved, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the electrolytic solution into multiple separate chambers (first electrolytic solution chamber and second electrolytic solution chamber) with different electrolytes, allowing each chamber to generate voltage independently. These segmented cells are connected in series through ion-conductive pathways, achieving high voltage output while keeping each individual chamber compact and lightweight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a novel dimensional arrangement by stacking multiple electrolytic solution chambers vertically or in layered configurations rather than horizontally extending the system. This multi-dimensional stacking allows series connection of multiple voltage-generating cells without proportionally increasing the device footprint, thereby maintaining compact size while achieving high voltage
2Power
If traditional electrolytic solutions are used to generate voltage, then the voltage output is sufficient, but safety hazards and environmental damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different electrolytic solutions with specific local qualities to different chambers - the first chamber uses an electrolyte suitable for its electrode materials while the second chamber uses a different electrolyte optimized for its electrodes. This localized optimization allows each chamber to generate efficient voltage while using safer, non-toxic electrolytes like salts dissolved in water, eliminating the need for hazardous substances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of liquid electrolytes by using inherently safe substances (common salts and water) that cannot cause chemical burns, fires, or toxic gas generation. The ion-conductive pathways are designed to prevent leakage while maintaining electrical functionality, thereby transforming a traditionally hazardous component into a safe, environmentally friendly system
3Volume of moving object
If electrolytic solution chambers are placed close together to reduce device size, then compactness is improved, but voltage generation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ion-conductive pathways as intermediary elements between separate electrolytic solution chambers. These pathways allow ion transport and electrical connection between chambers while maintaining physical separation of the electrolytes. The intermediary structure enables compact arrangement of multiple chambers without compromising the voltage generation efficiency of each individual cell
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 creation of self-sustaining power sources that generate higher voltages efficiently, while using environmentally friendly and safer mediums, thereby overcoming the limitations of size, weight, and safety concerns in existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
two different kinds of metals are used as electrodes and immersed in an electrolytic solution to cause an oxidation reaction or a reduction reaction in each electrode to create a path through which electrons flow
Implementation Method 2
two different kinds of metals are used as electrodes and immersed in an electrolytic solution to cause an oxidation reaction or a reduction reaction in each electrode
Implementation Method 3
an impedance between a point in the medium between the (2k−1)-th electrode and the 2k-th electrode and a point in the medium between the (2k+1)-th electrode and a (2k+2)-th electrode is greater than or equal to 5 times each of an impedance between the (2k−1)-th electrode and the 2k-th electrode and an impedance between the (2k+1)-th electrode and a (2k+2)-th electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to provide a device that operates on a self sustaining power source. A device comprising that operates on a self-sustaining power source includes: 2n electrodes (n is an integer of 2 or more) from a first electrode to a 2n-th electrode; and a medium present between a (2k−1)-th electrode (k is an integer of 1 or more and less than n) and a 2k-th electrode and between a (2n−1)-th electrode and the 2n-th electrode. The 2k-th electrode is connected to a (2k+1)-th electrode, and an impedance between a point in the medium between the (2k−1)-th electrode and the 2k-th electrode and a point in the medium between the (2k+1)-th electrode and a (2k+2)-th electrode is greater than or equal to 5 times each of an impedance between the (2k−1)-th electrode and the 2k-th electrode and an impedance between the (2k+1)-th electrode and the (2k+2)-th electrode.