Electrode Structure With Elastic Contact for Corrosion-Safe Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for fixing cathodes in alkali metal salt electrolysis suffer from corrosion, thinning of seal surfaces, and poor work efficiency during replacement, leading to damage and reduced sealability in electrolytic cells.
Innovation Solution
An electrode structure with a current collector, elastic body, and electrode fixing member, where the peripheral edge of the electrode is bent and fixed to the current collector without welding, reducing crevice corrosion and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the cathode is fixed to the seal surface by spot welding with nickel tape, then the cathode is securely fixed, but the seal surface becomes corroded and thinned during replacement operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a current collector as an intermediary component between the cathode and the seal surface. The cathode is fixed to the current collector using nickel tape, while the current collector is then fixed to the seal surface using a clamp. This intermediary structure prevents direct contact between the nickel tape and seal surface, eliminating crevice corrosion at the seal surface while maintaining secure fixing of the cathode assembly.
2Strength
If the cathode is fixed by spot welding with nickel tape, then the cathode is securely attached, but the seal surface thins during repeated replacement operations
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector serves as a mediator that separates the cathode fixing operation from the seal surface. The nickel tape fixes the cathode to the current collector, and the clamp fixes the current collector to the seal surface. This intermediary arrangement protects the seal surface from direct exposure to electrolyte accumulation and mechanical damage during repeated cathode replacements, thereby extending the service life of the seal surface.
3Ease of operation
If the cathode and nickel tape are attached for fixing on the seal surface, then the cathode is fixed, but unevenness occurs leading to crevice corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector acts as an intermediary platform that provides a flat, stable surface for attaching the nickel tape and cathode. The clamp then secures this entire assembly to the seal surface. This intermediary structure eliminates the unevenness problem because the nickel tape is attached to the flat current collector surface rather than directly to the seal surface, preventing electrolyte accumulation and crevice corrosion.
4Ease of repair
If the nickel tape is peeled off together with the gasket during gasket replacement, then the gasket is replaced, but the cathode may be torn causing damage inside the electrolytic cell
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector serves as an intermediary that the nickel tape is attached to, rather than directly to the cathode. When the gasket needs to be replaced and the nickel tape is peeled off, it is detached from the current collector which remains in place. This intermediary arrangement protects the cathode from being torn or damaged during gasket replacement operations, maintaining the integrity and reliability of the cathode structure.
5Ease of manufacture
If oxides on the seal surface are removed by removing the surface layer, then the seal surface is cleaned, but the seal surface thins leading to deterioration of sealability
Solution Approach 1:
The current collector serves as an intermediary component that is attached to the seal surface. The nickel tape is then attached to the current collector, not directly to the seal surface. This arrangement eliminates the need to repeatedly remove and re-attach nickel tape to the seal surface itself, thereby preventing the need to remove surface oxides and thin the seal surface. The sealability is maintained while still allowing for easy cathode replacement operations.
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
This configuration minimizes corrosion and damage within the electrolytic cell, simplifies the replacement process, and maintains seal integrity, thereby improving the longevity and efficiency of the electrolytic cell.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body located between the electrode and the current collector, the elastic body having conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode structure including:an electrode;a current collector facing the electrode;an elastic body located between the electrode and the current collector, the elastic body having conductivity; andan electrode fixing member located between the elastic body and the current collector,wherein at least a part of a peripheral edge of the electrode being fixed between the electrode fixing member and the current collector.