Solid Polymer Bipolar Battery for High-Voltage Ionic Conduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bipolar batteries face challenges in isolating liquid electrolytes to prevent short circuits and have limited performance due to high internal impedance and low ionic conductivity, which complicates their design and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

The use of solid ionically conductive polymer materials with a glassy state at room temperature, comprising both cationic and anionic diffusing ions, which are mobile in the glassy state, and are integrated into the battery design to facilitate ionic conductivity and reduce internal impedance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If liquid electrolytes are used in bipolar batteries, then ionic conductivity is improved, but sealing complexity and risk of short circuits increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of short circuitsVSAvoidsealing mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid, fundamentally altering the parameter of electrolyte phase. This eliminates the need for complex sealing mechanisms while maintaining ionic conductivity, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical sealing system required for liquid electrolytes with a solid electrolyte material that inherently prevents leakage and short circuits. The solid polymer electrolyte acts as both the ionic conductor and the sealing barrier, eliminating the separate sealing mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If solid electrolytes are used in bipolar batteries, then sealing complexity is reduced, but ionic conductivity and performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing mechanismsVSAvoidionic conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite solid polymer electrolyte materials that combine multiple components to achieve both solid-state stability and high ionic conductivity. The composite structure allows the material to exhibit properties superior to simple solid electrolytes, resolving the contradiction between simplified sealing and maintained performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies parameters of the solid electrolyte such as glass transition temperature, crystallinity, and ionic composition to optimize ionic conductivity. By carefully controlling these parameters, the solid electrolyte achieves performance levels that overcome the traditional limitation of low conductivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If internal sealing mechanisms are added to bipolar batteries, then electrolyte isolation is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrolyte isolationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the separate sealing mechanisms from the battery design by using solid electrolyte that inherently provides isolation. This eliminates unnecessary components and simplifies the manufacturing process, directly addressing the contradiction between electrolyte isolation and manufacturing ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The solid electrolyte serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the ionic conductor, the separator between electrodes, and the sealing barrier. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sealing components, reducing both complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable electrolyte isolation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach enables bipolar batteries to operate efficiently at high voltages with improved energy density, safety, and reduced internal impedance, providing flexibility in voltage and reducing the need for complex sealing mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

a solid ionically conductive polymer material, both a terminal negative electrode and terminal positive electrode bounding the bipolar battery as the outside layers of the battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)