Wednesday, 12 March 2014

Nokia patents a crazy, ribbon-like flexible battery

Nokia patents a crazy, ribbon-like flexible battery

Talk about innovation! A Nokia patent popped up today, describing a bending, twisting flexible battery that looks like a Swiss roll (more like Finnish roll). As you probably guessed, the battery is fit for devices that bend and twist in all directions, while maintaining their integrity. And, although having a super-flexible smartphone or tablet doesn't make very much sense (apart from a better fit inside the pocket), this battery could make a whole new breed of device designs possible. 
So, how does the magic work? The battery apparatus consists of a single battery ribbon that's spread in two blocks - the anode and cathode, connected with an interconnecting portion in-between. The ribbon is encased in vacuum packaging with its middle connecting portion configured to contact a first side of the interconnecting portion, and a second opposite side of the interconnecting portion. 
Nokia envisions its flexible battery in all kinds of portable electronic devices, including "mobile phone, a gaming device, a music player, a notebook computer, or a personal digital assistant." Wearables aren't mentioned, but think of the smart wristbands and rings that will be possible thanks to miniature processors, flexible batteries and displays. As Nokia transitions its business to research, development and patent licensing, we will be seeing ever more intriguing works. In the meantime, other technological companies, such as LG and Samsung, are working to perfect their own solutions as well. 





No comments:

Post a Comment