Thin Battery Asymmetric Electrolyte Distribution for Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thin batteries used in flexible electronic devices face performance deterioration when deformed by external forces, as the mobility of non-aqueous electrolyte is reduced, leading to a shortage that inhibits battery reactions.
Innovation Solution
A thin battery design with a sheet-like electrode assembly, a non-aqueous electrolyte distribution where the content per unit area of the first active material layer is greater than that of the second active material layer, ensuring sufficient electrolyte retention even after repeated bending, and a housing that maintains the electrolyte in a sealed manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the thin battery is made flexible to be deformed in response to movement, then adaptability to wearable devices is improved, but battery performance deteriorates when deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating asymmetric electrolyte distribution where outer electrode layers receive more electrolyte than inner layers. This localized differentiation compensates for the specific stress conditions that outer electrodes experience during bending, maintaining performance while preserving flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of electrolyte content distribution from uniform to non-uniform. By adjusting the electrolyte amount in different regions (more in outer layers, less in inner layers), the battery maintains flexibility while compensating for deformation-induced performance loss in specific areas.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the battery is bent repeatedly, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but electrolyte mobility is reduced leading to shortage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-loading the outer electrode layers with excess electrolyte before bending occurs. This anticipatory measure counteracts the electrolyte shortage that would normally result from repeated bending, maintaining sufficient electrolyte mobility even after deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses electrolyte mobility loss by creating local electrolyte reservoirs in outer layers that are most affected by bending. This localized electrolyte enrichment ensures that regions experiencing greatest stress during deformation maintain adequate electrolyte availability.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform electrolyte distribution is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but performance deteriorates after bending due to insufficient electrolyte in outer layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces uniform electrolyte distribution with a locally optimized distribution pattern. Outer electrode layers receive higher electrolyte content than inner layers, creating a gradient that compensates for bending-induced electrolyte migration and maintains performance while remaining manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetry in electrolyte distribution, deliberately creating unequal electrolyte amounts in different regions. The outer layers receive more electrolyte than inner layers, forming an asymmetric pattern that optimizes performance under bending conditions.
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
This design effectively maintains battery capacity and prevents electrolyte leakage, ensuring the battery's performance is preserved even after repeated deformation, thereby extending the lifetime of the battery-mounted device.
Implementation Method 1
a non-aqueous electrolyte with which the electrode assembly is impregnated
Implementation Method 2
a housing for housing the electrode assembly and the non-aqueous electrolyte in a sealed manner
Data Source
AI summary
A thin battery includes a sheet-like electrode assembly; a non-aqueous electrolyte with which the electrode assembly is impregnated; and a housing in a sealed manner. The electrode assembly includes a pair of first electrodes located at an outermost side of the electrode assembly, a second electrode interposed between the pair of first electrodes, and a separator disposed between each first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode includes a first current collector sheet and a first active material layer attached to one surface of the first current collector sheet. The second electrode includes a second current collector sheet and second active material layers attached to both surfaces of the second current collector sheet. A content x of the non-aqueous electrolyte per unit area of the first active material layer is larger than a content y of the non-aqueous electrolyte per unit area of the second active material layer.