Electrolyte Mixing Apparatus With Guide Plate And Labyrinth Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery electrolyte mixing apparatuses are inefficient in mixing higher and lower specific gravity electrolytes, leading to stratification, accelerated corrosion, and reduced battery lifespan, especially in large capacity batteries used in heavy vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An electrolyte mixing apparatus with a guide plate and mixing container that utilizes inertia to increase flow velocity by delivering higher specific gravity electrolyte upwards and mixing it with lower specific gravity electrolyte, featuring a labyrinth portion with narrower outlets to enhance circulation and mixing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional electrolyte mixing apparatus is used in large capacity batteries, then the apparatus structure is simple, but the electrolyte mixing time is excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide plate with inclined surfaces that dynamically redirect electrolyte flow based on specific gravity differences. Higher specific gravity electrolyte flows upward along the inclined guide plate surfaces, creating dynamic circulation patterns that significantly accelerate mixing compared to static conventional apparatuses.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide plate structure adds a vertical dimension to the mixing process by directing higher specific gravity electrolyte upward against gravity along inclined surfaces. This dimensional change creates multi-directional flow patterns (upward, downward, lateral) that dramatically reduce mixing time compared to single-direction conventional mixing.
2Productivity
If the electrolyte flow velocity is low, then the apparatus structure is simple, but electrolyte stratification occurs and mixing efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plate creates dynamic flow conditions where higher specific gravity electrolyte is continuously redirected upward and mixed with lower specific gravity electrolyte. This dynamic circulation prevents stratification and maintains high mixing efficiency through sustained velocity variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus utilizes the natural density difference of the electrolyte itself to drive the mixing process. Higher specific gravity electrolyte automatically flows upward along the guide plate inclined surfaces without external power, creating self-sustaining circulation that enhances mixing efficiency.
3Reliability
If higher specific gravity electrolyte remains at the bottom layer, then the battery structure is simple, but corrosion of pole plates is accelerated and battery lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plate structure enables the electrolyte to self-mix using its own density differences. Higher specific gravity electrolyte naturally flows upward along the inclined surfaces and circulates back downward, continuously preventing stratification and uniform corrosion without external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus establishes continuous circulation of electrolyte through the guide plate structure. The upward flow of higher specific gravity electrolyte along the inclined surfaces and its subsequent mixing creates an ongoing process that continuously prevents stratification and maintains uniform electrolyte distribution.
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 apparatus efficiently mixes electrolytes in a short period, preventing stratification and corrosion, thereby extending battery life and ensuring accurate charge levels in heavy vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a guide plate provided between an inner wall surface of a battery casing and a pole plate assembly so as to provide a passage to deliver the higher specific gravity electrolyte upwards by inertia
Implementation Method 2
a labyrinth portion having at least one circulation path, wherein an outlet of the circulation path is narrower than an inlet so as to increase the flow velocity of the electrolyte
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
One exemplary embodiment according to the present invention relates to an electrolyte mixing apparatus for a battery capable of increasing a flow velocity of an electrolyte. The electrolyte mixing apparatus of the present invention includes a receiving portion providing a space in a top portion of a guide plate for mixing lower specific gravity electrolyte with higher specific gravity electrolyte and providing an inlet/outlet groove for introducing the lower specific gravity electrolyte and discharging a mixed electrolyte according to inertia, and a labyrinth portion having at least one circulation path, wherein an outlet of the circulation path is narrower than an inlet so as to increase the flow velocity of the electrolyte, and the labyrinth portion mixing the lower specific gravity electrolyte, introduced through the inlet/outlet groove, with the higher specific gravity electrolyte, introduced through the guide plate.