Wireless Chargeable Energy Cell with Printed Electrochemical Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for controlling current flow in electrochemical circuits are complex and difficult to manufacture, particularly in printing or reel-to-reel processes, requiring multiple layers and steps, and are not cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A chargeable electrochemical circuit comprising an antenna for receiving EM-radiation, a rectifier for converting it into electric energy, and a dechargeable energy cell with electrochemically active elements separated by an electrolyte, allowing for cost-effective production using printing techniques and enabling remote charging and energy supply to electrical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional switches (mechanical or IC controlled) are used to control current flow, then current control function is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control function from separate mechanical switches or IC components and integrates it directly into the circuit trace itself through a break in the conductive path. This eliminates the need for separate switch components, reducing device complexity while maintaining current control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control function is merged with the circuit trace by creating an integrated structure where the trace break serves both as a conductor and a controllable switch element. This consolidation reduces the number of components and simplifies manufacturing.
2Ease of operation
If multiple layers and production steps are used to create switches, then switching function is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the circuit trace to create a controllable break point, allowing the switching function to be achieved through a single-layer printed circuit structure. This eliminates the need for multiple layer deposition steps required by conventional switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical switch structures with an electrochemical switching mechanism based on polymer oxidation/reduction. This substitution enables switching control through electrochemical reactions rather than mechanical movement or complex multi-layer construction, simplifying manufacturing.
3Ease of operation
If protective tape application and removal is used in switch manufacturing, then electrode connection is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-aligning electrode structure where the conductive trace and electrode positions are inherently registered through the printing process itself. This eliminates the need for protective tape application and removal steps, as the structure self-organizes during manufacturing without additional alignment procedures.
4Ease of operation
If conventional battery draining is used to stop current, then current control is achieved, but loss of energy occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes reversible electrochemical reactions where the polymer material can be oxidized to stop current and then reduced to restore conductivity. This cycling between oxidized and reduced states allows for current control without permanent energy loss, as the material recovers its conductive properties through electrochemical reduction.
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 provides a cost-effective, easily manufacturable, and remotely controllable energy source for electrochemical devices, enabling efficient power management and activation of components with reduced complexity and increased flexibility in circuit design.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna arranged to receive EM-radiation from an external source and to convert it into electric energy
Implementation Method 2
a dechargeable energy cell arranged to receive rectified current from said rectifier, and to convert said rectified current into stored energy by altering its electrochemical state in response to said rectified current
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention discloses a circuitry and an element which can be activated, charged, or interacted using any useful source of EM-radiation which is able to emit a suitable EM-field, which circuitry or element can be produced in a cost-effective manner, as well as a method for charging the same. The circuitry or element includes an antenna for receiving and converting EM-radiation into electric energy; a rectifier for converting the energy to a rectified current, and a dechargeable energy cell. The energy cell includes, in at least one embodiment, a first and a second electrochemically active element, which are electronically separated from each other, and an electrolyte which is arranged in ionic contact with at least a portion of both the first and second electrochemically active element, wherein the energy cell is arranged to receive rectified current from the rectifier, and to convert the rectified current into stored energy by altering its electrochemical state in response to the rectified current.