Solid-State Thread Battery Structure for Washable Wearables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lithium-ion liquid or gel electrolytic batteries used in wearable devices are limited by their volatility, flammability, short lifespan, and poor performance in extreme temperatures, making them unsuitable for flexible, washable, and wearable applications.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, washable, and rechargeable solid-state thread battery is developed, utilizing a solid electrolyte instead of liquid or gel electrolytes, with a configuration of concentric anode and cathode layers or separate anode and cathode yarns, embedded in a solid-state electrolyte layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If lithium-ion liquid or gel electrolytic batteries are used in wearable devices, then higher specific energy is achieved, but volatility, flammability, and safety issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid or gel to solid, fundamentally altering the safety parameters while maintaining energy storage functionality. This phase change eliminates volatility and flammability inherent in liquid electrolytes while preserving the electrochemical energy storage mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material structures including solid electrolytes combined with flexible substrates and electrode materials. This composite approach enables the battery to achieve both high specific energy and improved safety by integrating materials with complementary properties - the solid electrolyte provides safety while the composite structure maintains flexibility and energy density.
2Use of energy by moving object
If lithium-ion liquid or gel electrolytic batteries are used, then higher specific energy is achieved, but lifespan and performance in extreme temperatures worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The transition from liquid/gel to solid electrolyte fundamentally changes the thermal and temporal performance parameters. Solid electrolytes exhibit superior thermal stability and electrochemical stability over time, directly improving lifespan and extreme temperature performance while maintaining the energy storage capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If solid-state thread battery with flexible materials is used, then safety and flexibility are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is segmented into distinct functional layers (electrodes, solid electrolyte, flexible substrate) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and manufactured using appropriate processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the advanced materials involved.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of flexible substrates and thin-film structures enables the solid-state battery to achieve conformability and flexibility while maintaining a simple planar architecture. This approach avoids complex three-dimensional structures and allows for straightforward lamination and assembly processes.
4Quantity of substance
If solid electrolyte is used instead of liquid or gel electrolytes, then safety and energy density are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fundamental parameter change from liquid/gel to solid electrolyte enables higher energy density through improved ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability. The solid state allows for thinner electrolyte layers and higher volumetric energy density while inherently providing safety benefits through elimination of leakage and flammability.
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 thread battery offers increased safety, higher energy density, faster charging, and longer cycle life, making it suitable for wearable devices and smart textiles, while being easier to manufacture and integrate into flexible forms.
Implementation Method 1
a solid-state electrolyte layer disposed between the cathode and the anode
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state battery includes a cathode; an anode; and a solid-state electrolyte layer disposed between the cathode and the anode, where the cathode, the anode, and the solid-state electrolyte layer are comprised of flexible materials to form a thread.