HK1240708A1 - Water-activated power structure - Google Patents

Abstract

A water-activated power bank structure, comprising: a bottle body with a top opening and a bottom opening, wherein the bottle body is configured to accommodate a first electrode structure and a second electrode structure. The water-activated power bank structure further comprises: a top cap configured to mate with the top opening of the bottle body; a first bottom cap configured to mate with the bottom opening of the bottle body; a second bottom cap configured to mate with the first bottom cap; and a power output module disposed in the second bottom cap; wherein the first electrode structure has a cylindrical shape and the second electrode structure has a mesh shape, and wherein the power output module is electrically connected to the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure.

Description

Water actuated battery banking architecture

Technical Field

The invention discloses a water-actuated battery bank structure, which comprises: a bottle having a top opening and a bottom opening, wherein the bottle is configured to receive a first electrode structure and a second electrode structure. The water-activated mobile power supply structure further comprises: a top cap configured to mate with the top opening of the bottle, a first bottom cap configured to mate with the bottom opening of the bottle, a second bottom cap configured to mate with the first bottom cap, and a power output module disposed within the second bottom cap. Wherein the first electrode structure has a cylindrical shape and the second electrode structure has a mesh shape, and wherein the power output module is electrically connected to the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure.

Background

Batteries available to consumers in the market, such as button cells or zinc-carbon batteries, are commonly referred to as primary cells. Such batteries are designed to be disposable after a single use. However, heavy metals and electrolytes contained in the primary battery are harmful to the environment, and cause environmental pollution when the primary battery is discarded. For example, if the electrolyte contained in the primary battery leaks out, it may cause a chemical reaction of the electrolyte with water to generate toxic substances.

In recent years, research into alternatives to conventional primary batteries has made significant progress. Water-activated power generation devices (commonly referred to as water cells) are one example of an alternative to conventional primary batteries. The water battery is a battery that does not contain a toxic electrolyte and is designed not to generate a voltage until it is soaked in water or filled with water. Therefore, water batteries are easier to store than conventional primary batteries because chemical reactions do not occur before the water battery is exposed to water. Furthermore, the materials used to manufacture water batteries are environmentally friendly. That is, when the water battery is discarded, its constituent components can be easily recovered and no toxic substances are generated.

Existing water cells, however, have certain disadvantages. For example, the lifetime of existing water cells depends on whether the electrode materials of the cell can be completely consumed during the chemical reaction between the electrode materials. The electrodes of existing water cells are not designed to have an optimal exposed area for chemical reactions. Furthermore, existing water cells cannot easily replace used electrode materials with new ones. Accordingly, there is a need to develop a water-actuated power plant that can overcome the above-mentioned problems.

Disclosure of Invention

The devices disclosed herein each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes of the present invention. Without limiting the scope of the invention, its more prominent features will now be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled [ detailed description of certain embodiments ], one of ordinary skill will understand the reasons why the features of this invention are advantageous over other water cells.

An embodiment of the present invention provides a water actuated battery banking architecture, comprising: a bottle having a top opening and a bottom opening, wherein the bottle is configured to receive a first electrode structure and a second electrode structure. The water actuated battery banking architecture further comprises: a top cap configured to mate with the top opening of the bottle; a first bottom cap configured to mate with the bottom opening of the bottle; a second bottom cover configured to mate with the first bottom cover; and a power output module configured in the second bottom cover. The first electrode structure has a cylindrical shape and the second electrode structure has a mesh shape, and the power output module is electrically connected to the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure.

In one embodiment, the top cover includes: a first silicon wafer; a second silicon wafer; and a vent disposed on a top of the top cover. An opening is formed in the center of the first wafer and a kerf is formed in the center of the second wafer, wherein the thickness of the first wafer is greater than the thickness of the second wafer, and wherein the opening and the kerf are configured such that gas can pass through the kerf but liquid cannot pass through the kerf.

In another embodiment, the water actuated battery banking architecture further comprises: a first conductive element disposed on an interior sidewall of the bottle body; a second conductive element disposed on the inner sidewall and the outer sidewall of the first bottom cap; and a third conductive element disposed on the inner sidewall of the second bottom cap. The first conductive element contacts the second conductive element when the first bottom cap is mated with the bottom opening of the bottle body, and the second conductive element contacts the third conductive element when the second bottom cap is mated with the first bottom cap.

In another embodiment, the water actuated battery banking architecture further comprises: a mounting plate having a silicon O-ring, an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) rubber and a conductive plate. The mounting plate is secured to the first electrode structure via a securing assembly. The silicon O-ring is configured to prevent liquid from leaking out of the bottom opening of the bottle body; and the fixing member is made of a conductive material and is subjected to rust prevention treatment.

In another embodiment, the water actuated battery banking architecture further comprises: a telescoping assembly disposed in the cavity. The telescoping assembly is made of a conductive material and contacts a base, the conductive plate and/or the fixed assembly when the first bottom cap is mated with the bottom opening of the bottle body and when the second bottom cap is mated with the first bottom cap.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a water-activated battery bank architecture according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2A is a schematic diagram of a top cover 20 of a water-activated battery bank configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2B is a schematic view of a bottle 40 of a water-activated battery bank configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2C is a schematic diagram of a first bottom cover 74 and a second bottom cover 100 of a water-activated battery bank structure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a water activated battery bank configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is an exploded view of a water activated battery bank configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a water activated battery bank configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The following detailed description is directed to specific embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be implemented in numerous different ways. In this description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings wherein like parts are designated with numerals throughout.

Fig. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a water-activated battery bank architecture according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that the components shown in fig. 1 are not drawn to scale but are for illustrative purposes only. As shown in fig. 1, the water-activated battery bank structure 1 includes a top cover 20, a bottle 40, a first electrode structure 60, a second electrode structure 80, a first bottom cover 74, and a second bottom cover 100. The top cap 20 includes a first silicon die 24 and a second silicon die 26. The first electrode structure 60 is disposed within the vial 40 and secured by the first and second bottom caps 74, 100. The second electrode structure 80 is disposed on the inner sidewall of the bottle 40.

Fig. 2A is a schematic diagram of a top cover 20 of a water-activated battery bank configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that the components shown in fig. 2A are not drawn to scale but are for illustrative purposes only. As shown in fig. 2A, a vent 201 is disposed on the top cover 20. The first silicon piece 24 is thicker than the second silicon piece 26. An opening 241 is formed in the center of the first die 24 and a notch 261 is formed in the center of the second die 26. A first silicon die 24 and a second silicon die are secured to the inside sidewalls of the top cap 20. The opening 241 and the cutout 261 are configured such that air and gas can pass through the opening 241 and the cutout 261, but liquid cannot pass through the opening 241 and the cutout 261. Accordingly, gas generated during the chemical reaction between the electrode materials may be discharged through the opening 241, the cut 261, and the vent 201. On the other hand, the top cap 20 prevents the liquid in the bottle body 40 from leaking out.

Fig. 2B is a schematic view of a bottle 40 of a water-activated battery bank configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that the components shown in fig. 2B are not drawn to scale but are for illustrative purposes only. The bottle body 40 has a cylindrical shape and has two openings at the top and bottom of the bottle body 40, respectively. A second electrode structure 80 is disposed on the interior sidewall of the vial 40. The second electrode structure 80 has a mesh shape.

In one embodiment, the second electrode structure 80 comprises carbon (C), nickel (Ni), and a conductive mesh. In another embodiment, the second electrode structure 80 may include at least one of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), superconducting carbon black, graphite, and a conductive mesh. The above materials allow the second electrode structure 80 to produce a more complete chemical reaction and increase the life of the water activated battery bank structure.

In one embodiment, the shape of the second electrode structure 80 is flexible due to the conductive mesh within the second electrode structure 80. Because of its flexibility, the second electrode structure 80 may be in full contact with the interior sidewall of the vial 40. In another embodiment, the second electrode structure 80 extends only over a portion of the interior sidewall surface of the vial 40. In another embodiment, the second electrode structure 80 extends over the entire surface of the interior sidewall of the vial body 40. The flexibility of the second electrode structure 80 allows the second electrode structure 80 to have a larger exposed area without increasing its volume, as compared to existing electrode structures, as described in more detail below.

A first conductive element 82 is disposed on the interior sidewall of the vial 40. The first conductive element 82 is configured to be electrically connected to the second electrode structure 80. In one embodiment, the first conductive element 82 is a thin metal plate disposed on the interior sidewall of the vial 40. In another embodiment, the first conductive element 82 is a conductive coating disposed on the interior sidewall of the vial 40 by an electroplating process. As shown in fig. 2B, the first conductive element 82 extends to the bottom of the bottle 40 and covers the inner and outer sidewalls of the bottom opening of the bottle 40.

The first electrode structure 60 has a cylindrical shape and has an opening at the top of the first electrode structure 60. The first electrode structure 60 may be a magnesium (Mg) electrode structure 60, but is not limited to the Mg electrode structure. A mounting plate 62 is secured to the first electrode structure 60 via a securing assembly 70. The mounting plate 62 includes a silicon O-ring 621, an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) rubber 622, and a conductive plate 623. A hole 624 is formed at the center of the conductive plate 623 so that the fixing member 70 can pass therethrough.

The fixing member 70 is made of a conductive material. The Mg electrode structure 60 is consumed when the water-activated battery bank structure generates electricity. Because of the high reactivity of Mg, the fixing member 70 is likely to be corroded. To extend the life of the water activated battery bank structure, the mounting assembly 70 is treated with rust prevention. In one embodiment, the fastening element 70 is a rivet and is treated to prevent rust. In another embodiment, the fastening member 70 is a screw and is treated to prevent rust.

The silicon O-ring 621 prevents water from leaking out of the bottom opening of the bottle body 40 when water is poured into the bottle body 40. The conductive plate 623 is in close contact with the bottom of the first electrode structure 60 by the fixing member 70. Thus, the conductive plate 623 is electrically connected to the first electrode structure 60.

Fig. 2C is a schematic diagram of a first bottom cover 74 and a second bottom cover 100 of a water-activated battery bank structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that the components shown in fig. 2C are not drawn to scale but are for illustrative purposes only. An opening 741 is formed at the center of the first bottom cover 74. A second conductive element 84 is disposed on the inner and outer sidewalls of the first bottom cover 74. In one embodiment, the second conductive element 84 is a thin metal plate. In another embodiment, the second conductive element 84 is a conductive coating disposed by an electroplating process.

A base 90 is disposed at the bottom of the second bottom cover 100 and a cavity 101 is formed above the base 90. The base 90 is made of a conductive material. A third conductive element 86 is disposed on the inner sidewall of the second bottom cover 100. In one embodiment, the third conductive element 86 is a thin metal plate. In another embodiment, the third conductive element 86 is a conductive coating disposed by an electroplating process. A bellows assembly 72 (e.g., a spring) made of an electrically conductive material is disposed in the cavity 101.

The second bottom cover 100 further includes a power output module 92. The power output module 92 is electrically connected to the base 90 through a connecting assembly 88. In addition, the power output module 92 is electrically connected to the third conductive element 86. When a load is connected to the power output module 92, the power output module 92 is configured to output a Direct Current (DC) current. In one embodiment, the power output module 92 may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a water activated battery bank configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that the components shown in fig. 3 are not drawn to scale but are for illustrative purposes only. As shown in fig. 3, the top cap 20 is configured to mate with the top opening of the bottle 40. In one embodiment, the top cap 20 can be screwed (not shown) to the top opening of the bottle 40. In another embodiment, the top cap 20 can be "snap-in" to fit the top opening of the bottle 40.

The first bottom cap 74 is configured to mate with the bottom opening of the vial 40. The second bottom cover 100 is configured to mate with the first bottom cover 74. In one embodiment, the first bottom cap 74 may be threadably engaged with the bottom opening of the vial 40 (not shown). In another embodiment, the first bottom cap 74 can be "snap-in" to engage the bottom opening of the bottle 40. In another embodiment, second bottom cover 100 may be threadably engaged with first bottom cover 74 (not shown). In another embodiment, the second bottom cover 100 can be mated with the first bottom cover 74 in a "snap-in" manner.

When the first bottom cap 74 is mated with the bottom opening of the vial 40, the first conductive element 82 contacts the second conductive element 84. When the second bottom cover 100 is mated with the first bottom cover 74, the second conductive member 84 is in contact with the third conductive member 86. Disposing the conductive elements on the sidewalls of the vial 40, the first bottom cap 74, and the second bottom cap 100 ensures good contact between the first conductive element 82, the second conductive element 84, and the third conductive element 86. Thus, the power output module 92 is electrically connected to the second electrode structure 80 through the first conductive element 82, the second conductive element 84, and the third conductive element 86.

In addition, when the first bottom cap 74 is engaged with the bottom opening of the vial 40 and when the second bottom cap 100 is engaged with the first bottom cap 74, the telescopic assembly 72 is in contact with the base 90, the conductive plate 623 and/or the fixing assembly 70. Therefore, the power output module 92 is electrically connected to the first electrode structure 60 through the connecting assembly 88, the base 90, the telescopic assembly 72, the conductive plate 623 and/or the fixing assembly 70.

Figure 4 is an exploded view of a water activated battery bank configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that the components shown in fig. 4 are not drawn to scale but are for illustrative purposes only. The water actuated battery bank structure is designed such that water is poured into the bottle 40 from the top opening of the bottle 40. The first electrode structure 60 is inserted into the bottle body 40 together with the mounting plate 62 from the bottom opening of the bottle body 40. In accordance with the design of the present invention, a user may easily replace a used electrode structure 60 with a new electrode structure 60.

The first electrode structure 60 has a cylindrical shape. The first electrode structure 60 having a cylindrical shape provides a larger exposed area than the conventional solid Mg pillar, compared to the conventional water battery that generally uses a solid Mg pillar. Thus, the water activated battery banking architecture of the present invention enables a more complete chemical reaction that can increase the life of the water activated battery banking architecture.

Although the second electrode structure 80 shown in fig. 1 and 4 extends only partially along the interior sidewall of the vial 40, it should be understood that the area covered by the second electrode structure 80 can extend according to different designs. The larger the area of the second electrode structure 80, the longer the life of the water-activated battery bank structure.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a water activated battery bank configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that the components shown in fig. 5 are not drawn to scale but are for illustrative purposes only. As shown in fig. 5, water is filled in the bottle 40 of the water activated battery banking structure 1. The first electrode structure 60 is completely immersed in water. This design ensures that the entire first electrode structure 60 can be used to generate electricity, thereby increasing the life of the water-activated battery bank structure.

When manufacturing the water activated battery bank structure 1, an electrolyte (e.g., sodium chloride, NaCl) may be added to the first electrode structure 60. In this manner, a user can simply pour water into the bottle 40 to activate the water activated battery bank structure 1. The NaCl dissolved in the water ensures a good reaction between the first electrode structure 60 and the second electrode structure 80.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed herein, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the disclosed embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is intended that the present invention includes all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (16)

1. A water-activated battery banking structure (1) comprising:

a bottle (40) having a top opening and a bottom opening, wherein the bottle (40) is configured to receive a first electrode structure (60) and a second electrode structure (80);

a top cap (20) configured to mate with the top opening of the bottle (40);

a first bottom cap (74) configured to mate with the bottom opening of the vial (40);

a second bottom cover (100) configured to mate with the first bottom cover (74); and

a power output module (92) disposed in the second bottom cover (100);

wherein the first electrode structure (60) has a cylindrical shape and the second electrode structure (80) has a mesh shape, and wherein the power output module (92) is electrically connected to the first electrode structure (60) and the second electrode structure (80).

2. The water actuated battery banking structure of claim 1 wherein said top cover (20) includes:

a first silicon wafer (24);

a second silicon wafer (26); and

a vent (201) disposed at the top of the top cover (20);

wherein an opening (241) is formed in the center of the first silicon wafer (24) and a notch (261) is formed in the center of the second silicon wafer (26), and

wherein the thickness of the first silicon wafer is greater than the thickness of the second silicon wafer.

3. The water actuated battery banking structure of claim 2 wherein the opening (241) and the cutout (261) are configured such that gas can pass through the cutout (261) but liquid cannot pass through the cutout (261).

4. The water actuated battery banking structure of claim 1 wherein the first electrode structure (60) comprises magnesium (Mg) and the second electrode structure (80) comprises carbon (C), nickel (Ni) and a conductive mesh.

5. The water actuated battery banking structure of claim 4 wherein the second electrode structure (80) further comprises at least one of the following materials: polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), superconducting carbon black, and graphite.

6. The water actuated battery banking structure of claim 1 further including:

a first conductive element (82) disposed on an interior sidewall of the vial (40);

a second conductive element (84) disposed on the inner and outer sidewalls of the first bottom cap (74); and

a third conductive element (86) disposed on an interior sidewall of the second bottom cap (100);

wherein the first conductive element (82) contacts the second conductive element (84) when the first bottom cap (74) is mated with the bottom opening of the vial (40); and is

Wherein the second conductive component (84) is in contact with the third conductive component (86) when the second bottom cover (100) is mated with the first bottom cover (74).

7. The water actuated battery banking structure of claim 6 wherein the power output module (92) is electrically connected to the second electrode structure (80) via the first, second and third conductive components (82, 84, 86).

8. The water actuated battery banking structure of claim 7 wherein each of the first conductive member (82), the second conductive member (84), and the third conductive member (86) is a thin metal plate.

9. The water actuated battery banking structure of claim 7 wherein each of the first conductive element (82), the second conductive element (84), and the third conductive element (86) is a conductive coating configured using an electroplating process.

10. The water actuated battery banking structure of claim 1 further including:

a mounting plate (62) having a silicon O-ring (621), an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) rubber (622), and a conductive plate (623), wherein the mounting plate (62) is fixed to the first electrode structure (60) via a fixing member (70).

11. The water actuated battery banking structure of claim 10,

wherein the silicon O-ring (621) is configured to prevent liquid from leaking out of the bottom opening of the vial (40); and is

Wherein the fixing member (70) is made of a conductive material and is subjected to rust-proof treatment.

12. The water actuated battery banking structure of claim 10 wherein:

the first bottom cover (74) includes an opening (741) formed in a center of the first bottom cover (74); and is

The second bottom cover (100) comprises a base (90) arranged at the bottom of the second bottom cover (100) and

a cavity (101) formed centrally in the second bottom cover above the base (90).

13. The water actuated battery banking structure of claim 12 further including:

a telescopic assembly (72) disposed in the cavity (101), wherein

The telescoping assembly (72) is made of an electrically conductive material, and wherein the telescoping assembly (72) contacts the base (90), the electrically conductive plate (623) and/or the securing assembly (70) when the first bottom cap (74) is mated with the bottom opening of the vial (40) and when the second bottom cap (100) is mated with the first bottom cap (74).

14. The water actuated battery banking structure of claim 13, further comprising a connection assembly (88) electrically connected between the base (90) and the power output module (92), wherein the power output module (92) is electrically connected to the first electrode structure (60) via the connection assembly (88), the base (90), the telescoping assembly (72), the conductive plate (623) and/or the securing assembly (70).

15. The water actuated battery banking structure of claim 1 wherein:

the shape of the second electrode structure (80) is flexible; and is

The second electrode structure (80) extends over at least a portion of the interior sidewall of the vial (40).

16. The water actuated battery banking structure of claim 1 wherein:

adding water to the bottle (40) from the top opening of the bottle (40).