Printed mxene coils on textiles for wireless charging and energy storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic components in wearable devices are rigid and uncomfortable, failing to integrate seamlessly with textiles, and existing power supply methods require hard connections that affect comfort and durability.
Innovation Solution
The integration of MXene ink-based coils onto textile substrates through printing, enabling wireless charging and energy storage without rigid connectors, allowing for flexible and comfortable wearable devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current electronic components are used in wearable devices, then electrical functionality is achieved, but comfort and flexibility are compromised due to rigid structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by replacing rigid electronic components with flexible printed circuits made from conductive inks deposited directly onto flexible textile substrates. The printed coil structures maintain electrical functionality while conforming to the soft, movable nature of textiles and skin, eliminating discomfort associated with rigid components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of conductive materials from rigid solid components to flexible ink formulations that can be deposited in thin layers. By modifying the material parameters (conductivity, flexibility, thickness) through ink composition and printing parameters, the system achieves both electrical performance and comfort.
2Reliability
If hard physical connections are used for power supply in textile-based electronics, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but durability and washability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection functionality directly into the textile substrate by printing conductive coils onto the fabric. This integration eliminates separate hard connectors and their associated connection points, creating a unified structure where the textile itself provides both mechanical support and electrical connectivity, thereby improving durability and washability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical hard connectors with a printed conductive pathway system. Instead of using physical plugs, sockets, and wires that require mechanical assembly and are prone to failure, the system uses continuously printed conductive inks that form flexible, washable electrical pathways integrated into the textile.
3Use of energy by moving object
If rigid connectors are integrated into textiles for charging, then power supply functionality is achieved, but comfort and flexibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements flexible power supply by printing conductive coils directly onto flexible textile substrates. The printed coil structures maintain electrical functionality for wireless charging while conforming to the soft, movable nature of textiles, eliminating the need for rigid connectors and maintaining flexibility and comfort.
4Adaptability or versatility
If printed MXene ink coils are deposited on textiles, then wireless charging capability is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single printing process to deposit multi-functional MXene ink structures that simultaneously serve as wireless charging coils, energy storage elements, and conductive pathways. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and assembly steps, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the advanced material used.
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 wireless charging and energy storage in textiles, maintaining flexibility and durability while providing reliable electrical performance, suitable for a wide range of applications including healthcare and athletic wear.
Implementation Method 1
an MXene ink composition printed onto the first textile substrate having a coil geometry
Implementation Method 2
These printed coils make possible wireless charging of embedded devices in textiles that can serve as energy storage, health/activity monitors or sensors, and to facilitate data transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of manufacturing MXene-based coils on textile substrates. The system and method enable wireless charging of embedded devices in textiles, including energy storage, sensors, and wireless charging coils, removing the need for rigid physical connections. The systems manage print content by deposition of MXene ink compositions with a custom-generated coil design comprising specific geometric parameters that are configured to target required performance targets. Such an approach allows for the augmentation of e-textiles with sufficient energy and/or data transmission capacities so as to support the use of a wide range of smart devices and applications.