Electrochemical Panels With Transverse Current Collectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems fail to combine high-performance energy storage with structural load capabilities, often compromising on either performance or structural integrity, especially in miniaturized forms.
Innovation Solution
A battery system comprising electrochemical panels with integrated electrochemical cells that function both as energy storage units and structural components, capable of withstanding loads and providing multi-purpose functionalities such as load bearing, noise dampening, and vibrational dampening, by using a configuration where electrodes and current collectors are transversely oriented and electrically insulated to prevent shorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If batteries are miniaturized to reduce weight and volume, then weight and volume are reduced, but energy storage performance and structural load capabilities are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the battery structure with the floor panel structure by integrating current collectors as structural members. The current collectors are positioned to receive and distribute loads across the battery assembly, allowing the battery to serve dual purposes: energy storage and structural support. This merging eliminates the need for separate structural components while maintaining both energy density and load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: energy storage, structural support, and load distribution. The current collectors serve both electrical functions (current collection) and mechanical functions (structural reinforcement). This multi-functionality allows miniaturized batteries to maintain structural capabilities that would otherwise require additional components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If batteries are integrated into structural components to provide multi-purpose functionality, then weight and volume are reduced, but electrical shorting risks increase due to proximity of conductive structures
Solution Approach 1:
Electrically insulative materials are introduced as intermediaries between conductive components. These materials are positioned between current collectors and other conductive structures to prevent electrical shorting while allowing mechanical load transfer. The insulative materials act as mediators that enable both electrical isolation and structural connectivity, resolving the conflict between multi-purpose functionality and electrical safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the battery assembly. Electrically insulative materials are strategically placed in specific locations where conductive components are in close proximity, while other regions maintain high electrical conductivity for current collection. This localized differentiation of material properties prevents shorting without compromising overall electrical performance.
3Strength
If electrodes and current collectors are transversely oriented to enable structural support, then load bearing capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery assembly is divided into modular units with standardized transverse orientations of electrodes and current collectors. Each module can be manufactured independently and then assembled into the final structure. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity by breaking down the complex transverse orientation requirement into manageable, repeatable units that can be produced using conventional manufacturing techniques.
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 configuration enables reduced weight and volume in applications like electric vehicles, enhances safety through heat dissipation, and provides improved sound and vibration isolation, while maintaining high electrical performance.
Implementation Method 1
A battery system comprises at least one electrochemical panel with at least one electrochemical cell disposed therein
Implementation Method 2
electrodes and current collectors that are transversely orientated with respect to each face... configured to enable electrical communication with another electrochemical panel and/or an ancillary electric circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for enhancing the construction and application of batteries by providing a battery system comprising at least one electrochemical panel with at least one electrochemical cell disposed therein, which is configured to enable multi-purpose functionality and applicability of the battery system. Embodiments provide for electrodes and/or current collectors of each electrochemical cell that are transversely orientated with respect to each face of an electrochemical panel. Some embodiments provide for a separator pouch disposed about at least one electrode and/or current collector to electrically insulate the electrode and/or current collector from a structure component of the device. Each electrochemical panel is configured to enable electrical communication with another electrochemical panel and/or an ancillary electric circuit. Each electrochemical panel is configured enable utilization thereof as a structural component of an ancillary structure.