Structural Battery Carbon Fiber Composite Weight Savings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional carbon fiber composite materials primarily provide structural support with reduced weight, but they lack a built-in power source to enable additional functions in mobility and lightweight delivery equipment, such as powering sensors and motors, which can lead to issues with battery positioning and weight balance.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a structural battery with a continuous carbon fiber core, a mechanically compliant electrolyte, and a composite cathode within the carbon fiber composite structure to provide energy storage and support structural form, allowing for embedded sensors and motors without significant weight increase.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional carbon fiber composite materials are used for structural support, then weight is reduced, but no built-in power source is available to enable additional functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support function and energy storage function into a single integrated component. The carbon fiber composite structure is combined with battery cells to form a structural battery pack that simultaneously provides mechanical support and electrical power, eliminating the need for separate structural elements and power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural battery pack serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the vehicle body, stores electrical energy for powering motors and electronics, and manages weight distribution. This multi-functional design allows the same component to fulfill several roles that would traditionally require separate systems.
2Quantity of substance
If separate batteries are added to power additional functions, then energy storage capacity increases, but battery positioning and weight balance problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The battery cells are integrated directly into the structural framework of the vehicle, merging the energy storage system with the chassis. This eliminates the need for separate battery compartments and mounting structures, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural battery pack allows for strategic placement of battery cells at specific locations within the vehicle structure to optimize weight distribution and balance. Different regions of the structure can have different battery densities based on local requirements for both structural support and weight management.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional batteries are used for powering sensors and motors, then additional functions are enabled, but weight balance and positioning issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The structural battery pack provides power for multiple additional functions including electric motors, sensors, heating systems, and electronic controls, all while maintaining structural support and weight balance. The integrated design ensures that power delivery and weight distribution are coordinated throughout the vehicle structure.
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 structural battery achieves weight savings of up to 25-35% by integrating energy storage and structural support, enabling extended utility in various applications by providing power for sensors, motors, and other features while maintaining mechanical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the one or more energy storage devices having at least one anode core of a continuous carbon fiber, an electrolyte arranged on the at least one continuous carbon fiber core, and a cathode layer arranged to the at least one continuous carbon fiber core on the electrolyte
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile apparatus includes a motion action portion. The motion action portion including a frame portion, at least part of the frame portion including a structural battery, the structural battery including one or more energy storage devices. Each of the one or more energy storage devices having at least one anode core of a continuous carbon fiber, an electrolyte arranged on the at least one continuous carbon fiber core, and a cathode layer arranged to the at least one continuous carbon fiber core on the electrolyte, and at least one interface electrically connected to the structural battery, the interface for inputting power for charging the structural battery and for outputting power.