Electrolysis Cell Support Members with Dual Spring Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrolysis cells with resilient support elements fail to adequately compensate for dimensional tolerances during assembly, leading to incomplete deflection and uneven contact between electrodes and separators, which can result in damage or inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The electrolysis cell employs support members with dual spring means, where a first spring means ensures proper contact and a second spring means with higher stiffness compensates for tolerances by plastic deformation, preventing excessive loads and maintaining uniform contact pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single spring means is used to support the electrode, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adequately compensate for assembly tolerances while ensuring smooth contact
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into two distinct spring means: a first spring means (resilient member) that provides continuous resilient support for smooth electrode contact, and a second spring means (adjustable support element) that compensates for assembly tolerances. This segmentation allows each spring means to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the stiffness parameter by using two spring means with different stiffness characteristics. The first spring means has lower stiffness for smooth contact, while the second spring means has higher stiffness for tolerance compensation. This parameter differentiation resolves the contradiction by assigning appropriate stiffness values to different functional requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If the spring deflection is designed for smooth contact surface, then contact quality is improved, but the spring may be fully deflected before accommodating assembly tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into two distinct spring means: a first spring means (resilient member) that provides continuous resilient support for smooth electrode contact, and a second spring means (adjustable support element) that compensates for assembly tolerances. This segmentation allows each spring means to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The second spring means is designed to provide excessive support capacity beyond what is needed for smooth contact alone. It can deflect fully when assembly tolerances require maximum adjustment, while the first spring means maintains continuous contact. This partial/excessive action ensures that tolerance compensation needs are fully met without compromising contact quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If higher stiffness spring is used for tolerance compensation, then adaptability is improved, but contact smoothness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into two distinct spring means: a first spring means (resilient member) that provides continuous resilient support for smooth electrode contact, and a second spring means (adjustable support element) that compensates for assembly tolerances. This segmentation allows each spring means to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the stiffness parameter by using two spring means with different stiffness characteristics. The first spring means has lower stiffness for smooth contact, while the second spring means has higher stiffness for tolerance compensation. This parameter differentiation resolves the contradiction by assigning appropriate stiffness values to different functional requirements.
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 dual spring system effectively adjusts to assembly tolerances, ensuring smooth electrode contact and preventing damage to separators while optimizing cell efficiency and performance.
Implementation Method 1
one or more first spring means provided in the body portion or the support portions for providing a resilient force with respect to the supported electrode when deflected by a load applied from said electrode
Implementation Method 2
one or more second spring means each having a higher stiffness than that of the first spring means
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
The present application relates to a electrolysis cell for chlor-alkali or alkaline water electrolysis comprising: two cell elements each defining an electrode chamber by providing a back wall and sidewalls of the electrode chambers; an electrode accommodated in each of the electrode chambers; a sheet-like separator extending in a height direction and a width direction of the electrolysis cell, the separator being interposed in a joint between the two cell elements and providing a separating wall between the electrode chambers; and a plurality of support members (13A) supporting at least one of the electrodes on the respective back wall. The support members (13A) each comprise: two support portions (14, 15) standing upright on the back wall and extending in the height direction of the electrolysis cell; a body portion (18) connecting the two support portions (14, 15) in the width direction; and one or more first spring means provided in the body portion (18) or the support portions (14, 15) for providing a resilient force with respect to the supported electrode when deflected by a load applied from said electrode. Each support member (13A) further comprises one or more second spring means (32, 33) each having a higher stiffness than that of the first spring means.