A snake’s individual scales, while rigid, can fold together to protect against external impacts. They possess structural characteristics that allow them to stretch and move flexibly. It is this unique set of properties that researchers from the Ministry of Science and ICT’s Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials decided to replicate in a mechanical meta structure.
Unlike conventional wearable devices, in which the device’s frame and battery are combined in a tight formation, this new device enables flexible movement by connecting several small, rigid batteries in a scale-like structure. To ensure its safety, the researchers optimised the structure to minimise deformation of the material from which the battery was made. The shape of each battery cell is optimised to achieve high capacity per unit size.
Key to the unique device are the shapes of the battery cell and connective components. Small, hexagonal cells, resembling snake scales, were connected...