Stretchable Chain Battery via Segmented Interconnects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional batteries are confined in non-deformable solid containers, limiting their usability due to restricted deformation, which hinders their application in flexible and dynamic environments.

Innovation Solution

A flexible and stretchable chain battery design featuring multiple batteries connected in parallel or series via stretchable conductive interconnects, coupled to a stretchable substrate, allowing for electrical interconnection while enabling mechanical stretchability through the use of stretchable conductive cloths and adhesives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional batteries are confined in non-deformable solid containers, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility and stretchability are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and stretchabilityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is divided into multiple individual batteries connected via stretchable conductive interconnects. Each battery unit maintains its structural integrity while the segmented configuration allows the overall system to deform and stretch, resolving the contradiction between individual structural stability and system-level flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces non-deformable solid containers with stretchable conductive interconnects and substrates. These flexible components enable the battery system to deform without compromising electrical connectivity, achieving both flexibility and structural stability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If rigid battery shells are used, then electrical connectivity is stable, but deformation capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeformation capabilityVSAvoidinterconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection function with the mechanical support function into a single stretchable conductive interconnect. This integration eliminates the need for separate rigid connectors and complex assembly, enabling deformation capability while managing interconnection complexity through functional consolidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stretchable conductive interconnect serves multiple functions: electrical connection, mechanical support, and flexibility provision. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while enabling deformation capability, as a single component replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized elements.

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

Enables the creation of a battery system that can stretch and deform, expanding its usability in applications where conventional rigid batteries are impractical, while maintaining electrical connectivity and stability.

Implementation Method 1

The stretchable conductive interconnects provide electrical interconnection between the multiple batteries while enabling stretchability between the batteries

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a flexible adhesive selectively adheres the first stretchable conductive interconnect to the stretchable substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a flexible adhesive selectively adheres the first stretchable conductive interconnect to the stretchable substrate and selectively adheres the second stretchable conductive interconnect to the stretchable substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS10535845B1Flexible and stretchable chain battery

Publication Date: 2020.01.14 FLEX LTD

AI summary

A flexible and stretchable chain battery includes multiple individual batteries connected in parallel and/or in series via stretchable conductive interconnects. The positive terminals of each battery are connected to a first stretchable conductive interconnect and the negative terminals of each battery are connected to a second stretchable conductive interconnect. The stretchable conductive interconnects and the batteries are coupled to a stretchable substrate. The stretchable conductive interconnects provide electrical interconnection between the multiple batteries while enabling stretchability between the batteries.