Supercapacitor Cell Embedded in Flexible Matrix

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing energy-storage devices, such as supercapacitors, lack the necessary mechanical integrity to be effectively integrated into various applications, particularly in transportation and wearable items, where a balance between weight, power delivery, and structural requirements is crucial.

Innovation Solution

The development of a charge-storing supercapacitor cell embedded in a flexible or rigid matrix, incorporating nano-carbon components, an ion-permeable membrane, and an electrolyte, which provides structural integrity through a flexible or rigid matrix that can be integrated into various forms such as sealed pouches, non-conducting matrices with voids, composite forms, or self-supporting structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a supercapacitor cell is designed with nano-carbon electrodes and ion-permeable membrane, then charge-holding capability and charge-discharge behavior are improved, but mechanical integrity and structural rigidity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharge-holding capabilityVSAvoidmechanical integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining the supercapacitor cell with a matrix material (flexible or rigid) to create a composite structure. The matrix provides mechanical support and structural integrity while the embedded supercapacitor cell maintains its charge-storing functionality. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by allowing the device to simultaneously achieve reliable energy storage and adequate mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Power

If the supercapacitor cell is made lightweight for transportation applications, then power-to-weight ratio is improved, but structural integrity and safety are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower deliveryVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The composite structure of embedding the supercapacitor cell in a matrix material enables the device to achieve an optimal balance between lightweight construction and structural integrity. The matrix provides the necessary mechanical strength and safety while keeping the overall device lightweight, thus resolving the contradiction between power-to-weight ratio and structural reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If the supercapacitor cell is embedded in a rigid matrix, then mechanical strength and structural stability are improved, but flexibility and adaptability to various forms are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by offering two distinct embodiments: embedding the supercapacitor cell in either a rigid matrix or a flexible matrix. This allows the mechanical properties of the final device to be tuned according to the specific application requirements. The rigid matrix embodiment provides mechanical strength and structural stability, while the flexible matrix embodiment provides adaptability and flexibility, thus resolving the contradiction through parameter variation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If the supercapacitor cell is designed for multiple cycles with low equivalent series resistance, then charge-discharge efficiency is improved, but mechanical degradation over time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharge-discharge efficiencyVSAvoidcycle life

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by embedding the supercapacitor cell in a matrix material that provides mechanical support and protection. This matrix structure cushions and supports the cell during repeated charge-discharge cycles, preventing mechanical degradation and extending the device's operational life. The matrix acts as a protective structure that maintains the cell's integrity over multiple cycles, thus resolving the contradiction between charge-discharge efficiency and cycle life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 solution achieves robust energy storage with improved mechanical properties, maintaining low equivalent series resistance and high capacitance retention over multiple cycles, making it suitable for diverse applications including transportation and consumer appliances.

Implementation Method 1

an ion-permeable membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon permeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

charge-carrying cells exhibiting electrostatic double-layer supercapacitance behaviour

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic double-layer supercapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

electrodes (anodes and cathodes) which include nano-carbon particles as the conducting components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 4

an electrolyte

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11715608B2Energy storage device

Publication Date: 2023.08.01 OXCION LTD

AI summary

An energy-storage device is provided. It includes a charge-storing supercapacitor cell comprised of electrodes at least one of which includes a nano-carbon component, a ion-permeable membrane and an electrolyte characterised in that the cell is embedded or encapsulated in a flexible or rigid matrix.