Contact Bar Assembly for Electrolytic Metal Recovery Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-cell electrolytic metal recovery systems, inconsistent spacing and off-center alignment of anode and cathode assemblies lead to inefficient metal plating and limited contact, resulting in suboptimal metal recovery processes.
Innovation Solution
A contact bar assembly comprising a base cap board, primary bar, auxiliary bar, and top cap board, which centers and orients anode and cathode assemblies horizontally, facilitating even spacing and multiple lines of contact, and includes features for electrolyte drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional contact bar assemblies are used, then the system structure is simple, but the spacing between anode and cathode assemblies is inconsistent and they are off-center
Solution Approach 1:
The contact bar assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: base cap board with slots for positioning, primary bar structures for cathode contact, auxiliary bar structures for anode contact, and top cap board with openings. Each segment performs a specific function to achieve overall alignment and spacing consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact bar assembly acts as an intermediary structure between the power source and the anode-cathode assemblies. It provides a standardized interface that ensures consistent spacing and centering through its structured design with slots, openings, and multiple contact points.
2Reliability
If traditional contact bar assemblies are used, then the device structure is simple, but the contact between assemblies and contact bar is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple contact functions are merged into a single integrated assembly. The primary bar structures contact multiple points on cathode assemblies, while auxiliary bar structures contact multiple points on anode assemblies, creating comprehensive electrical contact within one unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact system transitions from single-point contact to multi-dimensional contact. The bars extend in multiple directions with multiple contact points, creating a three-dimensional contact network that ensures reliable electrical connection across all assemblies.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional contact bar assemblies are used, then the system is simple to manufacture, but metal plating is uneven across cathode assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the contact bar assembly have specialized structures optimized for their specific functions. The base cap board has slots for positioning, the primary bar structures have specific configurations for cathode contact, and the auxiliary bar structures have configurations for anode contact, ensuring each local area contributes to overall plating uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact bar assembly is pre-configured with specific geometries, slot positions, and opening locations that establish correct spacing and alignment before the electrolytic process begins. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures uniform electric field distribution and consistent plating across all cathode assemblies.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a contact bar assembly for use in a multi-cell electrolytic system for recovery of metal, to a system including the contact bar assembly, and to a method of using the assembly and system. The contact bar assembly includes a base cap board, a primary bar having a plurality of primary bar structures formed thereon, an auxiliary bar having a plurality of auxiliary bar structures formed thereon, and a top cap board, wherein the base cap board includes slots to receive the primary bar and the auxiliary bar, and wherein the top cap board includes a plurality of openings to receive the plurality of primary bar structures and the plurality of auxiliary bar structures. A system includes the contact bar assembly, an anode assembly, a cathode assembly, and a tank.