Researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology in Korea have developed, what they claim to be, the world's first imprintable and bendable lithium-ion battery. The move should hasten the adoption of mobile devices with flexible displays, such as Samsung’s Youm flexible OLED, and potentially other flexible devices that are beginning to emerge.
True, Mydesign. I spent years (and still do sometimes) hauling around my bulky laptop on my back, to the detriment of my back, of course! Really look forward to the day when I can fold it up and tuck it away. More flexible material is much lighter as well.
Ann, if they are targeting only short-lived products then its fine, otherwise durability is a major concern. I personally feels that such advantages has to pass to all level of electronic application, irrespective of it's a short/long lived products.
Thanks, bobjengr. I didn't think of that, either, but RFID is definitely another application of this technology as it increases in use. That is another technology that has been simmering for years and has taken a bit of time to catch on but you're right, it seems to be making real moves now.
Great post Elizabeth. Also, I can see real application to RFID devices that are gaining greater use as complements and replacements for barcodes systems. These devices are dropping in costs and improving in effectiveness. Flexible battery technology is important and I would not be surprised if some form of commercialization is around the corner.
Good question, Al. Maybe one of readers knows of miniaturization work. I do know that all electronics manufacturers are knocking themselves out to reduce MCU current consumption, and therby reduce the number of batteries that are needed. I'm constantly hearing about devices that get taken down from two or three coin cells to a single coin cell.
Just wondering if anyone knows about any significant work being done with the miniaturization of battery technology? Obvious product designs are managing energy usage like never before, and there is an emphasis on efficiency. I would think that smaller sizes would be a way to help achieve the goal of making mobile devices more portable wearable.
Couple this with the flexible solar panels and LEDs that are in development and you could have a tent with pre-installed lighting and convenience outlets!
Mydesign, good point about durability. I don't know about the battery technology, since that's somewhat newer, but I began covering flexible electronics about 15 years ago in the technology's early days. That tech is pretty well established--just hasn't been visible until now since many of its earlier uses were inside consumer and other devices: like sport watches, for instance, and other small devices containing electronics. That's how we got circuit boards inside the small stuff. Point is, I think a) the durability problems have been pretty well solved by now for flex circuits, and b) they mostly go into short-lived products.
As energy efficiency becomes more and more a concern for makers of electronics devices, researchers are coming up with new ways to harvest energy from sound vibration, footsteps, and even electromagnetic fields in the air.
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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