MTI MicroFuel Cells
Integrating "Mobion" Methanol Fuel Cell Technology Into Handheld Electronics
MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc., the leading developer of miniaturized fuel cells for handheld electronic devices recently announced the introduction of their Mobion™ direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) technology. Mobion™ is based on MTI Micro's patented DMFC technology that will ultimately enable it to power portable devices 2 to 10 times longer than an equivalent size battery pack, while allowing for instant, cord-free re-charging.On June 21, 2004, MTI débuted Mobion™ technology integrated into two functioning concept models, a redesigned Tapwave Zodiac handheld entertainment system and a redesigned Samsung i700 PDA/smart phone. MTI selected IDE Inc. for the design and integration of their Mobion™ fuel cells into these two popular handheld devices. IDE has provided its unique blend of industrial design and mechanical design engineering services to MTI for the past two years, specifically to address the problems of device integration and fuel replenishment. IDE's extensive experience in the design and development of handheld electronics, from PDAs to cell phones, coupled with it's demonstrated sensitivity to ergonomics and user interface design, make IDE an ideal development partner for MTI Micro Fuel Cells.
A True Breakthrough In Technology
"Mobion™ is a true breakthrough in advanced micro fuel cell technology, and is the enabling technology powering our first
product shipment planned for the industrial market later this year" said Dr. William Acker, CEO and President of MTI Micro.
"Our vision extends beyond the industrial market, and today's concept model demonstration of Mobion™ technology powering
and integrated into handheld electronic products helps underscore our commitment to penetrating the multi-billion dollar
power pack market for portable consumer electronics."
MTI approached IDE with the idea of integrating its Mobion™ fuel cells into two functioning handheld products which would
be demonstrated live at an industry trade show. Once the two products were identified by MTI, IDE's design team began
an analysis of each product to determine the extent of the redesign required to integrate the Mobion™ fuel cells. Working
closely with MTI Micro's fuel cell engineering team, IDE presented several packaging concepts for consideration with
each device. It was determined that the customization of each product could be confined to the rear case of each product.
The completed 3D database was then sent to IDE's prototype development shop for manufacture and customization of all
necessary parts. IDE's prototype shop used its high precision CNC machining centers to manufacture several sets of new
plastic and metal parts that would house the Mobion™ fuel cells and integrate visually with the production Zodiac and
i700 case parts. The visual quality of the newly manufactured parts had to be equal to the production level of quality
of the existing Zodiac and i700 products.
MTI Micro will ultimately address three primary markets; industrial, military and consumer electronics, through a phased
entry approach. MTI Micro plans its first shipment of Mobion™ power packs to the industrial market for use in retail,
distribution and warehousing applications (such as RFID tag readers) where the shorter run-time and re-charge maintenance
of traditional batteries are barriers to worker productivity.
Seamless Integration By IDE
Once this was established, IDE's industrial design team began work on new rear case designs that would seamlessly integrate
with the Zodiac and i700 design languages. The design team created several computer generated renderings of the proposed
designs and once approved, turned the designs over to IDE's mechanical design engineering staff. The mechanical design
engineers created a 3D solids model data base of all new plastic and metal parts as well as existing parts that required
customization.The World's First
Once all parts were manufactured, finished and ready for assembly, IDE assisted MTI Micro's fuel cell engineering team
in a dry fit up to insure all elements would function properly. The rest is now history-the world's first functioning
handheld entertainment system and PDA/smart phone powered by integrated direct methanol fuel cells.