Electrolysis Cell Electrode Fixing Structure Without Welded Cathodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for fixing cathodes in alkali metal salt electrolysis cells lead to corrosion, damage, and inefficient replacement processes due to crevice corrosion and the need for repeated surface preparation, resulting in high labor and time costs.

Innovation Solution

The electrode structure employs an electrode fixing member and bending of the peripheral edge of the current collector to securely attach the cathode without welding, preventing crevice corrosion and reducing internal damage within the electrolytic cell.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the cathode is fixed to the seal surface by spot welding with nickel tape, then the cathode is securely attached, but crevice corrosion occurs and the seal surface deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidcrevice corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the harmful nickel tape welding material from the system and replaces it with a welding-free fixation method using a protrusion structure that mechanically anchors the cathode to the seal surface, eliminating the source of crevice corrosion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion structure acts as an intermediary mechanical anchor between the cathode and seal surface, providing secure attachment without requiring welding materials that cause corrosion. The protrusion fits into a corresponding recess to create a mechanical bond

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If the cathode is repeatedly attached and detached by welding, then electrode replacement is possible, but the seal surface thins and deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode replaceabilityVSAvoidseal surface lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the fixation function into a separate protrusion structure on the seal surface that can be reused, while the cathode itself remains intact. This allows the cathode to be repeatedly attached and detached without affecting the seal surface integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention removes the welding process from the electrode replacement cycle, eliminating the harmful effects of repeated welding on the seal surface. The mechanical protrusion-based fixation allows for non-destructive attachment and detachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If nickel tape is used for fixing the cathode, then secure attachment is achieved, but the gasket may peel off during replacement causing internal damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidgasket peeling and internal damage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the nickel tape material from the system and replaces it with a mechanical protrusion-based fixation method that does not involve adhesive or welding materials, eliminating the risk of gasket peeling and associated internal damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion structure is designed as a durable, reusable component of the seal surface that does not degrade or peel like adhesive materials. It provides consistent mechanical anchoring throughout the service life of the electrolytic cell

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 effectively reduces corrosion and damage inside the electrolytic cell, simplifies the replacement process, and maintains the integrity of the ion exchange membrane, enhancing the overall efficiency and longevity of the electrolysis process.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic body located between the electrode and the current collector, the elastic body having conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

an electrode fixing member located between the elastic body and the current collector, wherein at least a part of a peripheral edge of the electrode is fixed between the electrode fixing member and the current collector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3819401B1Electrode structure, method for producing electrode structure, electrolysis cell, and electrolysis tank

Publication Date: 2023.10.25 ASAHI KASEI KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA

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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; and an 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.