Nanoparticle Storage Device for Energy-Free Optical Data Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for storing information in devices require either permanent energy consumption or are static, and existing techniques for detecting mechanical loads on mechanical components are invasive, costly, and not suitable for continuous monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A nanoparticle arrangement that stores information electrically and reads it out optically, using a semiconductor nanocrystal arrangement to display mechanical loads by changing fluorescence properties based on electrical charge, allowing for energy-free storage and long-term data retention without external energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If information is stored using static methods (ink, paint, particles), then the information can be stored permanently without energy, but the information cannot be changed after initial storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using charge-coupled devices that can dynamically change their charge state between retention and erasure. The stored information is represented by electrical charge in pixels, which can be rewritten by applying voltage to change the charge state, enabling both long-term storage and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of electrical charge state in the display medium. By controlling the charge state (charged vs. uncharged) of pixels through voltage application, the system achieves reversible information storage that combines permanent retention with the ability to modify information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If information is stored using changeable methods (LEDs, OLEDs, LCDs), then the information can be modified during operation, but permanent energy is required for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action by applying voltage only when information needs to be written or erased, rather than continuous energy supply. The charge-coupled pixels retain their charge state between writing operations, enabling changeable information storage without permanent energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by using the electrical charge itself to maintain the information state without external energy. The charged pixels naturally retain their charge through the charge-coupled mechanism, eliminating the need for continuous power supply to maintain displayed information.
3Measurement precision
If conventional sensor methods are used for mechanical load detection, then the detection can be performed, but the methods are invasive, costly, and not suitable for continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the display element itself sensitive to mechanical loads. The charge-coupled pixels respond to both electrical writing signals and mechanical stress, allowing the same component to serve both as display medium and sensor, eliminating separate sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the display function and sensing function into a single integrated system. The charge-coupled pixels that store and display information also detect mechanical loads through their charge sensitivity, combining multiple functions into one component to reduce complexity.
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
Enables permanent, energy-free storage and display of information and continuous monitoring of mechanical loads, reducing the need for invasive maintenance and improving safety by providing real-time load state visualization on mechanical components.
Implementation Method 1
a display element with a semiconductor nanocrystal arrangement, whose fluorescence property changes according to an amount of electrical charge supplied to the semiconductor nanocrystal arrangement by the force-sensitive element
Implementation Method 2
a force-sensitive element connected to the mechanical component to detect a mechanical load acting on the mechanical component
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An information storage device comprises a storage element with a nanoparticle array (50), which includes a plurality of nanoparticles (3) and a support material (2) surrounding the nanoparticles. The storage element is designed to selectively supply electrical charge carriers (e-, p-) to the nanoparticles (3) in a first operating state and to substantially prevent the outflow of the supplied charge carriers from the nanoparticles in a second operating state. The supplied charge carriers alter a fluorescence property of the nanoparticles to which the electrical charge carriers were selectively supplied in the first operating state, so that it can be determined by optical excitation of the storage element where the electrical charge carriers were selectively supplied to the nanoparticles during the first operating state.Furthermore, the following are disclosed: A device and a method for storing information in such an information storage device and an optical information carrier.