Thermoelectric Element with Planar Electrodes for Stable Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermoelectric elements face challenges in achieving stable characteristics and efficient energy conversion due to difficulties in forming uniform micro gaps between electrode parts, leading to instability and increased manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric element design featuring electrode parts shaped like comb teeth or spirals on the same substrate, with nanoparticles and a solvent in the middle part, allowing for precise gap control and stable performance across temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If electrode parts are connected in series in a laminate structure, then current and voltage are increased, but abnormal heat generation occurs and stability deteriorates when short-circuiting happens
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode parts are divided into multiple independent units arranged in parallel on the same substrate rather than connected in series through lamination. This segmentation allows current collection without sequential dependency, reducing the risk of complete system failure from single-point short circuits while maintaining power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical lamination structure (stacking electrodes in the thickness direction) to a planar arrangement (positioning electrodes on the same substrate surface). This dimensional change enables parallel current collection paths without the cumulative instability risks of series connections, achieving both power increase and stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If micro spacers and nano beads are used to form micro gaps, then gap size can be adjusted, but manufacturing complexity increases and output stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the micro spacers and nano beads from the structure entirely, achieving micro gap formation through direct lithographic patterning of the electrode positions. This extraction of unnecessary components simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining precise gap control through standard semiconductor fabrication techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical assembly approach (using physical spacers and beads to define gaps) with a lithographic patterning approach (using photomasks and etching to directly form electrode positions). This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical gap control and reduces manufacturing complexity.
3Length of stationary object
If spherical nano-bead particles are used to separate electrode parts, then submicron gaps can be formed, but it is difficult to achieve uniform gaps and the process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the colloidal assembly approach (using spherical nano-beads as physical spacers) with direct lithographic definition of electrode positions. This substitution ensures uniform gap distances are achieved through the precision of photolithography rather than relying on particle size distribution and assembly randomness.
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
This design enables the formation of thermoelectric elements with accurate and consistent gaps, ensuring stable output characteristics and reduced manufacturing variations, while allowing for flexible configuration and reduced electrode deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric element that converts thermal energy into electrical energy... the work function of the first electrode part is smaller than the work function of the second electrode part
Data Source
AI summary
A thermoelectric element to convert thermal energy into electrical energy includes a first electrode part, a second electrode part having a different work function than the first electrode part and arranged at a distance from the first electrode part, on a same surface of a substrate as the first electrode part, and a middle part provided between the first electrode part and the second electrode part.