Battery Electrolyte Mixing via Vehicle Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid electrolyte batteries, such as lead-acid batteries, suffer from stratification issues where acid concentration is not uniform across the electrode area, leading to reduced battery performance and lifespan, particularly in moving vehicles where electrolyte mixing devices known from prior art are ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A liquid-electrolyte battery design featuring a flow channel plate and a specially designed drain plate with tapering drainage channels and multiple openings to ensure even electrolyte distribution across the battery, utilizing acceleration forces to enhance mixing and prevent backflow, allowing for effective mixing regardless of the battery's orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If hydrostatic pumps are used for electrolyte mixing in vehicle batteries, then mixing is achieved during braking and acceleration, but optimum electrolyte mixing cannot be achieved and the devices are ineffective in non-optimal orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic mixing elements (baffles and flow deflectors) that utilize the natural motion and acceleration of the vehicle to create electrolyte circulation. These elements are designed to be effective during various driving conditions including braking, acceleration, and cornering, converting dynamic vehicle movements into effective electrolyte mixing without requiring additional power sources or complex pump mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery housing is divided into multiple compartments with individual mixing zones. Each compartment contains specific mixing elements (baffles, deflectors) positioned to create localized circulation patterns. This segmentation ensures that electrolyte mixing occurs effectively in each section independently, maintaining uniform concentration throughout the entire battery regardless of orientation or vehicle motion.
2Stability of the object's composition
If air is blown into the electrolyte for mixing in stationary batteries, then electrolyte circulation is achieved, but the method is not suitable for vehicle batteries and adds device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing system is designed to be self-activating through vehicle motion itself. The natural acceleration, braking, and cornering forces during normal vehicle operation automatically drive the mixing elements (baffles and deflectors) to circulate the electrolyte. No external power source, air supply system, or additional actuators are required—the battery system uses the vehicle's inherent dynamics to maintain electrolyte uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes complex external mixing devices (such as air blowers or electric pumps) and replaces them with simple passive mixing elements integrated directly into the battery housing. The mixing function is extracted from complex mechanical systems and achieved through cleverly positioned baffles and deflectors that utilize natural vehicle motion, significantly reducing device complexity.
3Productivity
If conventional mixing devices are used, then electrolyte circulation is attempted, but the devices are only effective on moving vehicles utilizing braking and acceleration, failing during steady-state operation
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing elements are specifically designed to respond to various dynamic conditions: baffles positioned to create circulation during braking, deflectors angled to promote mixing during acceleration, and cornering-induced flow patterns利用ed through strategic element placement. This dynamic design ensures continuous effective mixing across all driving phases including steady-state operation where conventional devices fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing elements serve multiple functions across different operational scenarios: the same baffles and deflectors that work during braking also function during acceleration, cornering, and steady-state operation. This multi-functional design ensures consistent electrolyte mixing effectiveness regardless of vehicle motion state, eliminating the limitation of conventional devices that only work under specific conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves improved electrolyte mixing, maintaining consistent battery performance and extending lifespan by ensuring uniform acid concentration across the battery, even during non-optimal orientations like cornering, thus enhancing the battery's ability to deliver current effectively.
Implementation Method 1
These devices are only effective on moving vehicles as they utilize braking and acceleration in conjunction with the inertial force of the liquid electrolyte
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid electrolyte battery is described which is preferably used in moving vehicles, such as in motor cars, in ships or aeroplanes, for example. Apparatuses are arranged in the battery which cause the electrolyte to circulate. This circulation is brought about by means of internals, which produce a pump effect and therefore a flow when the battery moves, with these internals having inlet slits and special outlet openings.