Electrolysis Busbar Construction with Side-Mounted Insulated Supports

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing busbar constructions in electrolysis tanks for metal recovery are prone to short circuits due to acid solutions and impurities, requiring different length bracket members for electrodes, which complicates the setup and increases maintenance needs.

Innovation Solution

The busbar construction places support members on the sides of the main busbar, using an insulator to separate them, allowing for equal length bracket members and reducing the risk of short circuits by maintaining electrical isolation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If support members are placed on top of the main busbar, then electrical connection is achieved, but short circuit risk increases due to acid solution and impurities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshort circuit riskVSAvoidexposure to acid solution and impurities
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support members are relocated from a vertical position (on top of the main busbar) to a horizontal position (on the sides of the main busbar). This dimensional change in spatial arrangement allows the insulator to effectively separate the support members from the main busbar, preventing short circuits caused by acid solution and impurities while maintaining electrical connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

An insulator is introduced as an intermediary element between the support members and the main busbar. This insulator physically separates the conductive parts, preventing direct contact that would cause short circuits, while still allowing the support members to fulfill their structural function of holding electrodes at proper positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If bracket members of different lengths are used, then electrode positioning is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode positioningVSAvoidbracket member length variation
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning of support members on the sides of the main busbar at different locations. This asymmetric arrangement allows all bracket members to be of uniform length while still achieving proper electrode positioning, as the support members are placed at strategically different positions to accommodate the geometric requirements of various electrodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The support members serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support for electrodes, maintain proper spacing and positioning, and work in conjunction with the insulator to prevent short circuits. This multi-functionality allows a single standardized component design to be used throughout the system, reducing the need for multiple different length bracket members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If main busbar and support members are superimposed, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase to prevent short circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of vertical superimposition (one on top of the other), the support members are positioned horizontally on the sides of the main busbar. This dimensional rearrangement maintains compact space utilization while eliminating the need for high precision vertical alignment, as the insulator provides robust physical separation that is less sensitive to manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design reduces the risk of short circuits, decreases maintenance needs, and allows for larger installation tolerances, improving the efficiency and durability of the electrolysis process.

Implementation Method 1

an insulator (7) for insulating the main busbar (8) from the support members (9, 10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

a highly conductive main busbar (8), electrically connecting the anodes (1) of the previous tank and the cathodes (2) of the following tank with each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

electrolysis system for the electrolytic recovery of metals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP2491165B1Electrolysis system with busbar construction
Publication Date: 2017.12.06 OUTOTEC FINDLAND OY
  • EP2491165B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2491165B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2491165B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a busbar construction (6) between the first and second electrolysis tanks (A, B) intended for the electrolytic recovery of metals, the busbar construction (6) being placed on top of the side wall (5) between the first and second electrolysis tanks (A, B), the first and second electrolysis tanks (A, B) containing electrodes, such as anodes (1) and/or cathodes (2), the electrodes having a first bracket member (3a, 4a) and a second bracket member (3b, 4b), the electrodes being supported to the busbar construction (6) by means of the first and second bracket members (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b), the busbar construction (6) including a main busbar (8) and a first support member (9) and a second support member (10).