Flexible solute supplementing device and application method
By combining a flexible packaging body and a detonating cord, the problems of large size, heavy weight, and inaccurate replenishment of existing solute replenishment devices are solved, achieving lightweight, precise control, and stable solute replenishment effects.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- WUHAN INSTITUTE OF MARINE ELECTRIC PROPULSION (THE 712TH RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF CHINA STATE SHIPBUILDING CORP LTD)
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing solute replenishment devices are large and heavy, unable to adapt to complex internal structural layouts, and cannot accurately match the replenishment amount, resulting in solute waste or insufficient replenishment.
A flexible packaging body is used instead of a rigid storage tank. The flexible packaging body is divided into multiple independent sub-units, and each unit is pre-embedded with a detonating cord. The detonating cord is activated by a controller to achieve precise release of the solute. Combined with a sealing design, it is suitable for underwater environments.
It significantly reduces the weight and volume of the device, adapts to complex cavity shapes, enables on-demand solute release, avoids resource waste, improves utilization, and allows for stable operation in deep-water environments.
Smart Images

Figure CN121929286A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of underwater solute replenishment technology, specifically to a flexible solute replenishment device and its application method. Background Technology
[0002] In the operation of some underwater devices (such as deep-sea battery systems, electrochemical sensors, and marine monitoring equipment), specific functions are often achieved through material exchange with the external environment. During this process, internal electrolytes or functional solutes are continuously consumed due to participation in reactions or diffusion, leading to a decrease in concentration and affecting the device's performance and lifespan. Therefore, it is necessary to replenish the solutes in real time and in a controllable manner to maintain their effective concentration within a set range. For example, the "Electrolyte Replenishment System and Method" disclosed in Chinese Invention Patent Publication No. CN103296246B replenishes the electrolyte through an external electrolyte storage and delivery structure, thereby improving battery performance. However, the aforementioned prior art typically relies on complex pipelines, pumping mechanisms, and control systems, resulting in a large overall volume and heavy weight, making it difficult to adapt to underwater equipment with limited space. Furthermore, this replenishment method is often continuous or batch injection, making it impossible to precisely match the replenishment to the actual consumption rate, easily leading to solute waste or insufficient replenishment. In addition, traditional rigid container packaging methods are difficult to adapt to the spatial layout of complex internal structures, and the high sealing requirements in deep-water, high-pressure environments increase the structural burden on the system. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of solute replenishment device that is lightweight, highly adaptable, and can precisely control the amount of solute released. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a flexible solute replenishment device and application method to solve the technical problems of existing solute replenishment devices, such as large size, heavy weight, inability to adapt to complex internal structural space layout, and inability to accurately match the replenishment amount, resulting in solute waste or insufficient replenishment.
[0004] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a flexible solute replenishment device, comprising: A flexible packaging body, wherein the flexible packaging body is divided into multiple independent sub-units, and the volume of the sub-units is variable; A supplemental solute is provided, wherein the supplemental solute is encapsulated in each of the subdivided units; A detonating cord is embedded in the middle of each of the supplementary solute bodies. The detonating cord is configured to break the flexible packaging of its sub-unit when activated, so that external solvent can enter and dissolve the supplementary solute body under the action of a pressure gradient, thereby achieving solute replenishment.
[0005] In some embodiments, a controller is also included, which is electrically connected to the detonating cord to control the activation of the detonating cord.
[0006] In some embodiments, the supplementary solute is formed by pressing a mold under a pressure of 8 to 12 MPa, or by casting at its melting point temperature.
[0007] In some embodiments, the supplementary solute is a water-soluble salt or alkali.
[0008] In some embodiments, the supplementary solute is one or more of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide.
[0009] In some embodiments, the flexible packaging is made of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or polypropylene, and the flexible packaging has flexibility and watertightness.
[0010] In some embodiments, the flexible packaging body is divided into four equal-volume sub-units, the volume of which is designed according to the expected amount of solute to be dissolved.
[0011] In some embodiments, the detonating cord in each sub-unit is fixed to the interior of the flexible packaging body by vulcanized rubber bonding.
[0012] In some embodiments, the diameter of the detonating cord is 3 to 8 mm.
[0013] Secondly, the present invention also provides a method for using the flexible solute replenishment device as provided in the first aspect of the present invention, comprising the following steps: The flexible packaging is divided into several independent sub-units based on solute consumption; The supplementary solute, pre-embedded with detonating cord, is filled into each sub-unit; A flexible package containing a replenishing solute is installed in an underwater device, and the solute can be replenished by activating the detonating cord as needed during operation.
[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention mainly include: This invention provides a flexible solute replenishment device that replaces the traditional rigid storage tank with a flexible packaging body, significantly reducing the weight and volume of the device. It can be freely molded to fit complex cavity shapes, adapting to various underwater equipment. Furthermore, by dividing the flexible packaging body into multiple sub-units according to the expected solute release amount, and pre-embedding an independent detonating cord in each sub-unit, precise "on-demand release" control is achieved, avoiding resource waste caused by insufficient or excessive replenishment and improving solute utilization. In addition, the flexible packaging body can withstand a certain degree of water pressure deformation, and combined with a sealing design, it can operate stably in deeper waters for extended periods. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the flexible solute replenishment device described in this invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the solute replenishment process of the flexible solute replenishment device described in this invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the application method of the flexible solute replenishment device described in this invention.
[0016] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Flexible packaging body; 11. Subdivided units; 2. Replenish solutes; 3. Detonating cord. Detailed Implementation
[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.
[0018] Currently, traditional solute replenishment methods often rely on complex pipelines, pumping mechanisms, and control systems, resulting in large overall size and weight. Furthermore, these methods are typically continuous or batch-based, making precise matching based on actual consumption rates difficult, easily leading to solute waste or insufficient replenishment. To address this technical problem, this invention proposes a flexible solute replenishment device. Through flexible packaging, the solute can be finely divided to adapt to various spatial divisions and match the expected solute dissolution rate, achieving precise control over solute replenishment.
[0019] like Figures 1-2 As shown, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a flexible solute replenishment device, comprising a flexible packaging body 1, a replenishing solute body 2, and a detonating cord 3. The flexible packaging body 1 is divided into multiple independent sub-units 11 according to the internal structure of the underwater equipment (e.g., a battery) and the expected amount of solute to be replenished, that is, the volume of the sub-units 11 is variable. The replenishing solute body 2 is encapsulated in each of the sub-units 11. The detonating cord 3 is pre-embedded in the middle of each replenishing solute body 2. The detonating cord 3 is configured to, when activated, destroy the flexible packaging body 1 of the sub-unit 11 in which it is located, so that external solvent enters and dissolves the replenishing solute body 2 under the action of a pressure gradient, thereby achieving solute replenishment.
[0020] This invention provides a flexible solute replenishment device that uses a flexible packaging body 1 instead of a traditional rigid storage tank, significantly reducing the weight and volume of the device. It can also be freely molded to fit complex cavity shapes, adapting to various underwater equipment. Furthermore, by dividing the flexible packaging body 1 into multiple sub-units 11 according to the expected solute release amount, and with each sub-unit 11 pre-embedded with an independent detonating cord 3, precise "on-demand release" control is achieved, avoiding resource waste caused by insufficient or excessive replenishment and improving solute utilization. In addition, the flexible packaging body 1 can withstand certain water pressure deformation, and combined with a sealing design, it can operate stably in deeper waters for extended periods.
[0021] In addition, the flexible solute replenishment device provided by the present invention also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the detonating cord 3. When it is necessary to release the solute, the controller sends an ignition signal to the detonating cord 3.
[0022] In one embodiment, the flexible packaging 1 is made of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or polypropylene material, and the flexible packaging 1 has good flexibility and water tightness.
[0023] In one embodiment, the flexible packaging body 1 is divided into four subdivided units 11 of equal volume according to the internal space layout. The volume of each subdivided unit 11 is designed according to the expected amount of solute to be dissolved. In practical applications, it can also be expanded to more subdivided units 11 as needed. Each subdivided unit 11 independently encapsulates a certain mass of supplementary solute 2.
[0024] In one embodiment, the supplementary solute 2 is formed by pressing with a mold under a pressure of 8 to 12 MPa, or by casting at its melting point temperature.
[0025] In one embodiment, the supplementary solute 2 is a water-soluble salt or alkali.
[0026] In one embodiment, the supplementary solute 2 is one or more of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide.
[0027] In one embodiment, the detonating cord 3 in each sub-unit 11 is fixed to the interior of the flexible packaging body 1 by vulcanized rubber.
[0028] In one embodiment, the detonating cord 3 has a diameter of 3 to 8 mm.
[0029] Secondly, such as Figure 3 As shown, the present invention also provides a method for using the flexible solute replenishment device as described in the first aspect, comprising the following steps: Step S1: Divide the flexible packaging body 1 into multiple independent sub-units 11 according to the solute consumption; Step S2: Fill each subdivided unit 11 with the supplementary solute 2 pre-embedded with detonating cord 3. Step S3: Install the flexible packaging body 1, which integrates the supplementary solute 2, into the underwater equipment. During operation, the detonating cord 3 can be activated as needed to replenish the solute.
[0030] In this embodiment, the supplementary solute 2 is granular sodium hydroxide solid, which is pressed into cylindrical blocks by a mold under a pressure of 10 MPa. The blocks are uniform in size and density, which is beneficial for controlling the dissolution rate. Furthermore, a detonating cord 3 with a diameter of 5 mm is pre-embedded in the center of each supplementary solute 2. The detonating cord 3 passes through the supplementary solute 2 axially and extends to the interface of the external control system. The detonating cord 3 and the flexible packaging 1 are bonded and sealed with vulcanized rubber to prevent moisture from seeping in prematurely.
[0031] When a sub-unit 11 needs to release solute, the controller sends an electrical signal to activate the corresponding detonating cord 3. The detonating cord 3 then detonates instantly, releasing high-temperature energy and causing localized melting and perforation of the surrounding flexible packaging 1. At this time, the device is in an underwater environment. Under the action of hydrostatic pressure (typically about 0.1 MPa / m water depth), the external seawater forms an inward pressure gradient, pushing the seawater rapidly into the damaged sub-unit 11, where it comes into contact with the exposed NaOH and dissolves, releasing OH-. - Ions enter the main solution system, completing one solute replenishment.
[0032] Understandably, by pre-setting the volume and solute quantity of each sub-unit 11, and dynamically selecting the activation sequence and quantity in conjunction with the equipment operating status, a wide range of stepwise replenishment from milligram reagent level to gram level can be achieved, meeting the needs for fine control of solute concentration during long-term tasks.
[0033] Furthermore, this device can be applied to underwater equipment systems to replenish KOH electrolyte consumed during discharge reactions. The flexible packaging 1 is attached to the inner wall of the battery casing and comprises six sub-units 11, with a total capacity supporting continuous operation for 72 hours. Each replenishment is automatically determined by the central controller based on feedback from voltage, current, and pH sensors, triggering an average of 1–2 times per day. The error in a single replenishment is less than ±5%, significantly improving battery cycle stability and endurance.
[0034] In summary, the flexible solute replenishment device provided by this invention has the following beneficial effects: (1) The use of flexible packaging instead of traditional rigid storage tanks significantly reduces the weight and volume of the device, and can be freely molded according to the complex cavity shape, making it suitable for a variety of underwater equipment; (2) By dividing the flexible packaging into multiple sub-units according to the expected solute release amount, and each sub-unit is pre-embedded with an independent detonating cord, the precise control of "release on demand" is achieved, avoiding the waste of resources caused by insufficient or excessive replenishment, and improving the solute utilization rate. (3) The flexible packaging can withstand certain water pressure deformation, and combined with the sealing design, it can work stably in deep water for a long time; (4) Rapid response and high reliability: The detonating cord triggering mechanism has a fast response and reliable action, and can still work stably in harsh underwater environments; (5) Passive drive, no additional power required: The solute dissolution process relies on the natural permeation of the external solvent under the pressure gradient, without the need for an additional pumping system, which simplifies the structure and improves the robustness of the system.
[0035] The specific embodiments of the present invention described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made in accordance with the technical concept of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A flexible solute replenishment device, characterized in that, include: A flexible packaging body, wherein the flexible packaging body is divided into multiple independent sub-units, and the volume of the sub-units is variable; A supplemental solute is provided, wherein the supplemental solute is encapsulated in each of the subdivided units; A detonating cord is embedded in the middle of each of the supplementary solute bodies. The detonating cord is configured to break the flexible packaging of its sub-unit when activated, so that external solvent can enter and dissolve the supplementary solute body under the action of a pressure gradient, thereby achieving solute replenishment.
2. The flexible solute replenishment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a controller electrically connected to the detonating cord to control the activation of the detonating cord.
3. The flexible solute replenishment device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The supplementary solute is formed by pressing it into shape under a pressure of 8-12 MPa using a mold, or by casting it into shape at its melting point temperature.
4. The flexible solute replenishment device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The supplementary solute is a water-soluble salt or alkali.
5. The flexible solute replenishment device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The supplementary solute is one or more of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide.
6. The flexible solute replenishment device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible packaging body is made of polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or polypropylene material, and has flexibility and water tightness.
7. The flexible solute replenishment device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The flexible packaging body is divided into four equal-volume sub-units, the volume of which is designed according to the expected amount of solute to be dissolved.
8. The flexible solute replenishment device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The detonating cord in each sub-unit is fixed to the inside of the flexible packaging body by vulcanized rubber bonding.
9. The flexible solute replenishment device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The diameter of the detonating cord is 3 to 8 mm.
10. A method of using the flexible solute replenishment device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The flexible packaging is divided into several independent sub-units based on solute consumption; The supplementary solute, pre-embedded with detonating cord, is filled into each sub-unit; A flexible package containing a replenishing solute is installed in an underwater device, and the solute can be replenished by activating the detonating cord as needed during operation.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Electrolyte replenishment systems and methods
CN103296246B