Multifunctional Composite Integrating Energy Storage Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multifunctional composite materials often compromise on either structural integrity or electrical capacity due to the integration of energy storage devices, which can lead to poor performance in both mechanical strength and electrical capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A laminated composite material is developed where energy storage cells are integrally built up from cloth layers, using techniques like printing or deposition, with a liquid electrolyte-based system that allows for superior ionic conductivity and eliminates the need for additional packaging, thereby enhancing both structural and electrical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If energy storage devices are integrated into composite materials, then electrical capacity is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support function and energy storage function into a single integrated composite material system. The fibre reinforcement provides structural integrity while the polymer matrix with liquid electrolyte provides energy storage capability, allowing both functions to coexist within the same material structure without compromising either performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite material system comprising fibre reinforcement (such as carbon fibres, glass fibres, or aramid fibres) combined with a polymer matrix containing liquid electrolyte. This composite structure allows the material to simultaneously exhibit mechanical strength from the fibres and electrical/energy storage properties from the electrolyte-containing matrix, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and electrical capacity.
2Reliability
If energy storage devices are integrated into composite materials, then electrical capacity is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support function and energy storage function into a single integrated composite material system. The fibre reinforcement provides structural integrity while the polymer matrix with liquid electrolyte provides energy storage capability, allowing both functions to coexist within the same material structure without compromising either performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite material system comprising fibre reinforcement (such as carbon fibres, glass fibres, or aramid fibres) combined with a polymer matrix containing liquid electrolyte. This composite structure allows the material to simultaneously exhibit mechanical strength from the fibres and electrical/energy storage properties from the electrolyte-containing matrix, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and electrical capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional battery components are used, then energy storage functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional material where the polymer matrix serves dual purposes: as the binding matrix for the composite structure and as the electrolyte container for energy storage. This eliminates the need for separate battery housings, separators, and electrolyte reservoirs, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining full energy storage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple battery components (electrolyte, separator, electrodes) and structural components (matrix, reinforcement) into a single integrated composite material system, reducing the number of discrete parts and simplifying the overall device architecture.
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 provides a composite material that achieves superior electrical performance and maintains structural integrity by integrating energy storage cells directly into the cloth layers, eliminating the need for separate packaging and enhancing ionic conductivity, resulting in a lightweight, high-energy-density solution for applications like micro air vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid electrolyte-based system that allows for superior ionic conductivity
Implementation Method 2
a porous separator layer and liquid electrolyte disposed within the porous separator in a resin-free intra-electrode region
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A multi-functional, laminated composite comprises a plurality of cloth layers (3) penetrated by an infused matrix, wherein at least one cell (1) for energy storage is supported by and integrally built up from at least one of the cloth layers (3), the cell (1) being embedded in the matrix. The cell may comprise first and second electrodes (6,7) separated by a porous, separator layer (2) that has a liquid electrolyte-permeable, matrix-free intra-electrode region to which the electrolyte (2') may be added before or after resin infusion to activate the cell. The structural composite may have integrated energy storage comprising a lithium-ion rechargeable cell, optionally of printed construction.