Solid-Electrolyte Reserve Battery Shock Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reserve batteries require activation before use, which is typically dependent on ambient temperature and has limited shelf life due to the need for a liquid electrolyte, and existing solutions do not effectively address the need for immediate power generation without temperature dependence.

Innovation Solution

A reserve battery design utilizing a solid electrolyte between a solid anode and cathode, activated through shock compression or artillery projectile-induced heat, allowing ion conduction and power output independent of ambient temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a liquid electrolyte is used in the battery, then power can be output on demand, but the battery requires activation and has limited shelf life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower output readinessVSAvoidshelf life

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid, fundamentally altering the operational parameters. The solid electrolyte remains inactive at ambient temperatures but becomes conductive when heated to transition temperature, enabling long-term storage without activation while providing on-demand power when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The battery is pre-configured with all necessary components (solid electrolyte, electrodes, housing) in a ready state during manufacturing, but remains inactive until the solid electrolyte is heated to its transition temperature. This preliminary preparation allows immediate power output once activated, resolving the contradiction between readiness and shelf life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of stationary object

If a solid electrolyte is used in the battery, then shelf life is extended, but the battery requires activation before power output

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf lifeVSAvoidactivation requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the phase transition of the solid electrolyte from a non-conductive solid state at ambient temperature to a conductive state at elevated temperature. This phase change occurs at a specific transition temperature, automatically enabling power output without requiring manual intervention or complex activation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical activation methods (such as breaking ampoules to inject liquid electrolyte) with a thermal activation approach. Heating the solid electrolyte to its transition temperature automatically activates ion conduction, simplifying the activation process while extending shelf life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If ambient temperature activation is used, then activation is simple, but power generation is temperature dependent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation simplicityVSAvoidtemperature independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational temperature parameter by introducing an active heating mechanism that raises the solid electrolyte to its transition temperature. This allows the battery to operate independently of ambient temperature conditions, whether in cold or hot environments, while maintaining simple activation through automated thermal control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The battery incorporates internal heating elements that automatically heat the solid electrolyte to its transition temperature when power is needed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external temperature control or manual activation, providing temperature-independent operation while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 long shelf life and immediate power generation by generating sufficient heat through compression to activate the solid electrolyte, ensuring reliable energy delivery for military and other applications.

Implementation Method 1

the solid electrolyte to conduct ions between the electrodes thus activating the battery to produce a power output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Fast Ion Conductor

Implementation Method 2

subjected to very large compressive force of up to 20,000 g, which instantaneously reduces the volume and raises the temperature of the battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock compression heating: Adiabatic Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10700364B2Solid-state reserve battery activated by compression

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 SCHRADER ROAD DEVELOPMENT CORP

AI summary

A reserve battery is provided. The reserve battery includes a housing; a battery inside the housing, the battery including an anode, a cathode and a solid electrolyte between the anode and the cathode; and a movable piece for sliding within the housing to compress the battery such that sufficient heat is generated within the battery to activate the solid electrolyte. Methods of activating a reserve battery are also provided.