Multifunctional Conductive Wire for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy metal conductive wires, such as solid or stranded copper wires, are heavy and inefficient, posing challenges for miniaturization and energy optimization in devices like electric vehicles and industrial equipment, where they add significant weight and reduce performance.
Innovation Solution
Development of multifunctional conductive wires (MCW) that integrate a core battery cylinder with insulator and outer conductive layers, allowing for reduced weight and increased efficiency by optimizing alternating current conduction without the need for heavy central metal cores, while also providing power storage and transmission capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If legacy solid or stranded copper wires are used, then electrical conduction function is provided, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single wire structure: the core battery cylinder provides both structural support and power storage, while the outer conductive layer provides electrical conduction. This merging eliminates the need for separate heavy copper conductors and battery components, reducing overall weight while maintaining reliable electrical function.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive wire is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as a current carrier through the outer conductive layer, provides power storage through the core battery cylinder, and offers structural support. This universal design allows the wire to replace both traditional conductors and battery components, significantly reducing weight in applications like electric vehicles.
2Power
If heavy central metal cores are used for current conduction, then electrical transmission capability is ensured, but power-to-weight ratio decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the conductive function in the outer layer where it is most needed for electrical transmission, while the core provides power storage and structural support. The outer conductive layer is optimized for AC conduction with appropriate thickness and material properties, while the core battery cylinder is optimized for energy storage, allowing each component to excel at its specific function.
3Weight of moving object
If traditional copper wires are used in electric vehicles, then electrical power transmission is achieved, but overall vehicle weight increases due to additional battery weight
Solution Approach 1:
The wire structure merges power transmission and power storage functions into a single component. The core battery cylinder stores electrical energy while the outer conductive layer transmits it, eliminating the need for separate heavy battery packs and copper wiring systems in electric vehicles, thereby reducing overall vehicle weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive wire serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a current carrier, a power storage device, and a structural element. This multi-functionality allows the wire to replace both traditional conductors and battery components in electric vehicles, providing both power transmission and power storage capabilities while significantly reducing weight.
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
MCW enables devices to operate with reduced length, weight, and space requirements, offering improved power-to-weight ratios and energy efficiency by integrating power storage and transmission within the wire itself, potentially replacing traditional copper wires in motors, generators, and transformers.
Implementation Method 1
MCW can have battery function with two or more electrodes and electrolyte, surrounded by an insulator, with a conducting layer external to the insulator, to form a MCW capable of carrying alternating current as efficiently as a solid copper conductor
Implementation Method 2
the core cylinder can be a cylindrical flexible battery that comprises two or more self-standing electrodes (e.g., carbon nanotube yarns with battery active materials) isolated by separator(s) and/or an electrolyte
Data Source
AI summary
Articles and devices comprising a multifunctional conductive wire having a first electrode including a first carbon nanotube composite yarn containing carbon nanotubes and secondary particles; a second electrode including a second carbon nanotube composite yarn containing carbon nanotubes and secondary particles; a first separator membrane surrounding the first electrode; a second separator membrane surrounding the second electrode; an electrolyte surrounding the first and second electrodes; a flexible insulator layer surrounding the electrolyte; and a flexible conducting layer at least partially surrounding the flexible insulator layer. Also provided are method of making and using the articles, devices, and multifunctional conductive wires herein.