Capacitive Deionization Electrode Stack Assembly With Clamping Discs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing capacitive deionization devices face challenges in assembly complexity, uneven pressure distribution, and increased manufacturing costs due to the reliance on compressible and conductive materials for electrode connections, which can damage fragile electrodes and reduce desalination performance.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing electrically conductive spacers with clamping discs for reliable electrode contact, ensuring uniform pressure distribution and simplified assembly, using titanium for contact rods and spacers to maintain conductivity and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compressible and conductive materials (graphite) are used for current connectors to generate clamping force, then electrical contact and clamping force are achieved, but manufacturing complexity and production costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The current connector is divided into two separate functional components: a rigid conductive element for electrical contact and a separate elastic element for generating clamping force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without the compromises required by multi-functional materials like graphite.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standard elastic elements (springs) that are universally available and well-understood in mechanical design, replacing the specialized compressible conductive materials. This universal approach simplifies manufacturing and supply chain management while achieving the required clamping force.
2Reliability
If the electrode stack is compressed after assembly to generate clamping force, then electrical contact is improved, but the fragile electrode layers are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic elements are pre-loaded with clamping force before the electrode stack is assembled. This preliminary action ensures that the correct compressive force is applied from the beginning, preventing damage to the fragile electrode layers that would occur with post-assembly compression of the entire stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic elements act as intermediary components between the rigid conductive elements and the electrode stack. They provide a compliant interface that can generate the necessary clamping force without directly transmitting damaging compressive forces to the fragile electrode layers.
3Reliability
If block-shaped current connectors with central bores are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but tight manufacturing tolerances and precise alignment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The complex central bore alignment requirement is eliminated by separating the electrical connection function from the clamping function. The rigid conductive element makes simple surface contact with the electrode, while the elastic element handles the clamping, removing the need for precise bore alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the current connector from a block shape with central bore to a simpler configuration where the rigid conductive element has an enlarged contact surface. This parameter change reduces manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
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
Facilitates easy assembly, reduces material costs, and enhances desalination performance by maintaining optimal electrode contact and flow uniformity, minimizing damage to electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
The spacers are electrically connected to the respective contact bar via clamping discs mounted on the contact bars. Each clamping disc is frictionally connected to its corresponding contact bar.
Implementation Method 2
The clamping discs are frictionally connected to their corresponding contact bar in such a way that the clamping discs exert a radial clamping effect on the contact bars, thereby preventing relative movement between the clamping discs and the contact bars due to static friction.
Implementation Method 3
Water flows through a water-permeable spacer layer in the area between the electrodes
Implementation Method 4
water-impermeable ion-selective membranes are used as charge barriers between the electrodes and the spacer layer, whereby the ion-selective membranes allow either only anions or only cations to pass through
Implementation Method 5
ions are adsorbed from the raw water
Implementation Method 6
A capacitive deionization process generally goes through two phases: an adsorption phase, in which raw water is desalinated
Implementation Method 7
This reverse polarization causes the adsorbed ions to be repelled from the respective electrodes by electrostatic interaction and released into the water flowing between them
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for removing ions from water based on the principle of capacitive deionization, wherein the device comprises a housing (1) having a water inlet (2) and a water outlet (3), wherein a stack (4) of several active layers (5) is located within the housing (1), each active layer (5) comprising at least a first electrode (6a), a second electrode (6b), and a water-permeable spacer layer (7) arranged between the first and second electrodes. The electrodes (6a, 6b) are each connectable to an electrical source via electrically conductive contact rods (8a, 8b), wherein electrically conductive spacer elements (9) are arranged between successive electrodes (6a, 6b) in the region of the contact rods (8a, 8b), which keep two successive electrodes (6a, 6b) at a distance from each other.In order to provide a device that is easy to assemble and ensures reliable contact of the electrodes, the spacer elements (9) arranged in the area of the contact rods (8a, 8b) are electrically contacted with the respective contact rod (8a, 8b) via clamping discs (10a, 10b), wherein the clamping discs (10a, 10b) are force-fit connected to the respective contact rod (8a, 8b) and the spacer elements (9) do not bear force-fit against the respective contact rods (8a, 8b).