Electrolysis Unit Flow Path Layout to Limit Cathode Scale

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Solution Overview

Problem

The accumulation of scale on the cathode in electrolytic liquid generation devices reduces the spatial density of ozone, leading to decreased dissolution efficiency and overall generation efficiency of electrolytic liquids.

Innovation Solution

The electrolytic liquid generation device includes an electrolysis unit with a conductive film sandwiched between electrodes, where a space part penetrates the unit, allowing liquid to flow through, and the housing design features a flow path with varying cross-sectional areas to enhance the flow of liquid and reduce scale adhesion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a flow path is formed between the housing and cathode, then liquid can flow through the device, but scale accumulates on the cathode surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid flowVSAvoidscale accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the harmful flow path between the housing and cathode by introducing a through-hole in the cathode that directs liquid flow through the electrolysis unit itself. This removes the stagnant outer flow path where scale accumulated, while maintaining necessary liquid circulation for electrolysis operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The through-hole in the cathode acts as an intermediary structure that redirects liquid flow from the harmful outer path to a beneficial inner path. This mediator changes the flow trajectory to prevent scale accumulation while ensuring proper liquid distribution across the electrolysis surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If scale accumulates on the cathode, then the device structure remains simple, but ozone spatial density varies and dissolution efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidgeneration efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the flow path into distinct regions: an outer flow path for bulk liquid circulation and an inner flow path through the cathode for targeted electrolysis. This segmentation prevents scale accumulation in critical areas while maintaining overall structural simplicity and high generation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If liquid flows only through the outer path, then the housing structure is simple, but ozone dissolution efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing structureVSAvoiddissolution efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention adds a third dimensional aspect to the flow path by creating a through-hole that penetrates the cathode thickness. This transforms the flow from a two-dimensional outer path to a three-dimensional structure with both outer and inner flow paths, enhancing ozone dissolution efficiency while maintaining housing simplicity.

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 configuration improves the generation efficiency of electrolytic liquids by preventing ozone and scale accumulation, ensuring uniform ozone concentration and reducing electrical resistance, thereby enhancing overall performance.

Implementation Method 1

By generating a potential difference between an anode and a cathode in a state where the electrolysis unit is immersed in water, an electrolytic treatment that causes an electrochemical reaction in water is performed, and ozone water is generated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP4726078A1Electrolytic liquid generation device
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP4726078A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4726078A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4726078A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an electrolytic liquid generation device in which generation efficiency of an electrolytic liquid in an electrolysis unit can be improved. An electrolytic liquid generation device (100) according to the present disclosure includes an electrolysis unit (1) and a housing. The electrolysis unit (1) is disposed such that a conductive film (12) is sandwiched between a first electrode (13) and a second electrode (11), and electrolyzes a liquid. The electrolysis unit (1) is disposed in a housing. The housing includes an inflow port through which a liquid to be supplied to the electrolysis unit (1) flows in and an outflow port through which an electrolytic liquid generated in the electrolysis unit (1) flows out. A flow path (61,62) for a liquid and an electrolytic liquid are formed between the inner peripheral surface of the housing and the electrolysis unit (1). The electrolysis unit (1) includes a space part penetrating the electrolysis unit (1) and through which a liquid flows from the first electrode (13) to the second electrode (11). The space part is open to the flow path (61), and at least a part of the conductive film (12) is exposed to the flow path (61).