Clip-Type Membrane Electrode Assembly for Stable Ion Exchange Fixation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compact electrolyzed water production devices face challenges with the stability of the ion exchange membrane fixation, increased electrolytic cell voltage, and higher production costs due to the complexity of winding processes, especially when reducing the size of the diamond electrode.

Innovation Solution

A clip-type membrane electrode assembly is introduced, featuring a clip-shaped cathode instead of a wound-type cathode wire, which simplifies the assembly and holding mechanism, improving stability and reducing production costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a wound-type cathode wire is used to wrap around the ion exchange membrane, then the membrane can be held in place, but the fixation stability decreases and the assembly process becomes complex when reducing the electrode size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode sizeVSAvoidmembrane fixation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of wrapping the cathode wire around the membrane (traditional approach), the invention inverts the structure by having the membrane clamp onto the cathode wire through dedicated clamping portions. This reversal simplifies the assembly process and improves fixation stability, especially in compact configurations, as the membrane's own structure is used for clamping rather than relying on external winding forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The cathode wire is divided into multiple sections with dedicated clamping portions at intervals. These segmented clamping portions independently secure different sections of the ion exchange membrane, providing stable fixation even when the overall electrode size is reduced. The segmentation allows each portion to independently contribute to membrane stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If a wound-type cathode wire structure is used, then the electrode can be compact, but the assembly process complexity and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode sizeVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional winding process is inverted by designing the membrane with built-in clamping portions that naturally secure the cathode wire. This eliminates the need for complex winding and securing operations, significantly simplifying the assembly process while maintaining compact electrode dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane structure itself provides the clamping function through its integrated clamping portions, eliminating the need for separate fastening components or complex assembly operations. The membrane serves both its primary function and the secondary function of securing the cathode wire, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of moving object

If the electrode size is reduced to create a compact device, then portability is improved, but the electrolytic cell voltage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode sizeVSAvoidelectrolytic cell voltage
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cathode wire is segmented into multiple sections with clamping portions distributed along its length. This segmentation ensures uniform current distribution and maintains consistent spacing between electrodes throughout the compact structure, preventing localized voltage spikes that would otherwise occur in miniaturized wound-type configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By inverting the structure to use clamping portions on the membrane rather than winding the cathode around it, the invention achieves more precise and stable electrode spacing in compact configurations. This stable spacing maintains efficient electrolysis performance and prevents excessive cell voltage even when the overall device size is reduced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 clip-type membrane electrode assembly enhances the stability of the ion exchange membrane, reduces production costs, and allows for more versatile and efficient electrolyzed water production, maintaining high quality and productivity while being compact and portable.

Implementation Method 1

a membrane that separates the anode and the cathode from each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon Exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 2

raw material water is electrolyzed by using the membrane electrode assembly to produce electrolyzed water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP3004425B1Membrane electrode assembly and electrolyzed water production device using the same
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 INDUSTRIE DE NORA SPA
  • EP3004425B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3004425B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3004425B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~1d

AI summary

A membrane electrode assembly includes a rod-shaped or tubular anode, an anode terminal connected to the anode, a cathode disposed at a position apart from the anode so as to face the anode, and a membrane that separates the anode from the cathode. The cathode includes a line-shaped or strip-shaped cathode-supporting portion and a cathode claw that extends to the left, right, or both left and right from the cathode-supporting portion and that is curved along an outer periphery of the anode. The cathode-supporting portion and the cathode claw form an anode-holding portion of the cathode. The membrane includes a membrane strip, and the membrane strip is disposed on the cathode claw to be in contact with the cathode claw so that the anode is held by the anode-holding portion of the cathode with the membrane strip therebetween.