Solid-State Battery Thin-Film Electrolyte Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional batteries exhibit limitations in energy density, power density, cycle life, stability, and scalability, with issues such as capacity loss, degradation, and safety concerns, particularly in extreme temperatures and rapid charging, which restrict their application in portable devices and electric traction.

Innovation Solution

Development of solid-state energy storage devices with thin film electrodes and solid electrolytes, utilizing metal-containing compositions and ceramic electrolytes that enable high ionic conductivity at room temperature, allowing for reversible electrochemical redox reactions and efficient energy storage without liquids or gels, enabling scalable and durable energy storage solutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional batteries use liquid or gel electrolytes to achieve high ionic conductivity, then energy density is improved, but leakage, evaporation, and containment requirements worsen reliability and device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy densityVSAvoidleakage and evaporation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid/gel to solid, fundamentally altering the parameter of material phase. This solid-state electrolyte eliminates leakage and evaporation issues while maintaining ionic conductivity through careful material selection and thin-film fabrication, directly resolving the contradiction between energy density and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite structures combining thin-film electrodes with solid electrolyte layers, creating a multi-material system where each component is optimized for its specific function. This composite approach enables high ionic conductivity without the harmful properties of liquid electrolytes, addressing both energy density and reliability requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If conventional batteries use thick electrodes to increase storage capacity, then energy density is improved, but manufacturing precision and scalability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidfabrication precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from bulk three-dimensional electrode structures to thin-film two-dimensional structures deposited on substrates. This dimensional change enables precise control of electrode thickness and composition through deposition techniques, achieving high storage capacity through increased surface area and optimized active material distribution while maintaining excellent manufacturing precision and scalability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the battery into multiple thin-film layers deposited sequentially on a substrate, with each layer serving a specific function (electrode, electrolyte, current collector). This segmentation allows independent optimization and control of each component's thickness and composition, achieving high capacity while maintaining precise manufacturing control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Use of energy by moving object

If secondary batteries are fully discharged to maximize energy utilization, then energy efficiency is improved, but capacity loss and degradation worsen cycle life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy utilizationVSAvoidcycle life
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electrochemical parameters of the battery system through solid-state chemistry, enabling operation at higher voltages and more extreme states of charge without degradation. The solid-state electrolyte and electrode materials are specifically selected to withstand full discharge conditions, allowing maximum energy utilization while maintaining long cycle life through inherent material stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Speed

If conventional batteries use complex charging algorithms and intelligent interfaces to enable rapid charging, then charging speed is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidcharging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental electrochemical parameters of the battery to enable inherently fast charging capability. The solid-state electrolyte and electrode materials are designed with high ionic conductivity and optimized reaction kinetics, allowing rapid charge acceptance without requiring complex external control systems. The battery's intrinsic properties replace the need for sophisticated charging algorithms and intelligent interfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solid-state energy storage devices achieve high energy densities, improved cycle life, and enhanced safety, with the ability to operate across a wide temperature range and support rapid charging and discharging without degradation, making them suitable for advanced applications in portable devices and electric systems.

Implementation Method 1

a solid electrolyte positioned in direct contact with the first electrode, and a second electrode positioned in direct contact with the solid electrolyte

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

utilizing metal-containing compositions and ceramic electrolytes that enable high ionic conductivity at room temperature, allowing for reversible electrochemical redox reactions and efficient energy storage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS11527774B2Electrochemical energy storage devices
Publication Date: 2022.12.13 SPACE CHARGE LLC
  • US11527774B2 patent drawing
  • US11527774B2 patent drawing
  • US11527774B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Described are energy storage devices employing a gas storage structure, which can accommodate or store gas evolved from the energy storage device. The energy storage device comprises an electrochemical cell with electrodes comprising metal-containing compositions, like metal oxides, metal nitrides, or metal hydrides, and a solid state electrolyte.