Wearable Solid Fuel Cell Power Generator with Hot-Swappable Cartridge

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wearable electronics for military and mobile applications require bulky and heavy traditional batteries, necessitating a compact and lightweight power source that can be easily replaced in the field.

Innovation Solution

Development of wearable power generators using solid fuel cell technology integrated with rechargeable batteries and hot-swappable fuel cartridges, conforming to standard battery form factors, with features like forced-air heat exchangers and self-contained air supplies for efficient power generation and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If traditional batteries are used to power wearable electronics, then sufficient energy storage is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storageVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power system is segmented into two functional modules: a fuel cartridge containing solid fuel and a separate oxidizer supply, replacing the traditional single battery unit. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher energy density while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for wearable applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the energy storage parameter from chemical energy in batteries to a different chemical energy configuration in solid fuel cells. This parameter change enables higher energy density (weight of energy) while maintaining the same form factor, directly addressing the contradiction between energy storage and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If traditional batteries are used to power wearable electronics, then sufficient energy storage is achieved, but the device occupies excessive volume

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storageVSAvoidvolume

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power system is segmented into two functional modules: a fuel cartridge containing solid fuel and a separate oxidizer supply, replacing the traditional single battery unit. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher energy density while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for wearable applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the energy storage parameter from chemical energy in batteries to a different chemical energy configuration in solid fuel cells. This parameter change enables higher energy density (weight of energy) while maintaining the same form factor, directly addressing the contradiction between energy storage and volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Weight of moving object

If solid fuel cell technology is used, then weight and volume are reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveweightVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel cartridge is designed as a disposable component that can be easily replaced when depleted. This approach simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for complex rechargeable fuel storage mechanisms, reducing system complexity while maintaining weight and volume advantages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automatic control mechanisms that manage the fuel-oxidizer reaction without requiring user intervention. The solid fuel cell automatically regulates the chemical reaction to generate electricity, reducing the complexity of control systems compared to manual battery replacement or charging mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Provides a lightweight, compact, and efficient power source that can be easily replaced, offering extended operation time and high energy density, suitable for military and various mobile applications.

Implementation Method 1

a solid fuel cell power generator coupled to the rechargeable battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFuel cell: Fuel Cell

Implementation Method 2

a fan in communication with the heat sink to form a forced-air heat exchanger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForced convection: Forced Convection

Data Source

PatentUS9160022B2Systems and methods providing a wearable power generator

Publication Date: 2015.10.13 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

A wearable, hybrid power generation system includes a rechargeable battery, a solid fuel cell power generator coupled to the rechargeable battery, and a cartridge with fuel for the solid fuel cell power generator. The cartridge is removeably coupled to the solid fuel cell power generator. The rechargeable battery, the solid fuel cell power generator, and the cartridge may be housed in a form factor conforming to a shape and size of a standard battery.