Electrolytic Mineralization Device for Drinking Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mineralizing drinking water are slow and limited in their ability to control the final mineral composition, relying on passive dissolution of mineral salts.
Innovation Solution
An electrolytic mineralization installation with a filtration system and an electrochemical cell comprising a soluble anode and cathode, where the anode is connected to the positive pole of an electric current generator, and a stainless steel cathode is connected to the negative pole, separated by a membrane, allowing for controlled release of metal cations into the water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If passive dissolution of mineral salts is used, then the mineralization process is simple, but the speed of mineralization is slow and control over final mineral composition is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical dissolution process with an active electrolytic system using electric current to accelerate mineral release. The electrolytic cell with anode, cathode, and membrane creates controlled electrochemical reactions that rapidly mineralize water while maintaining simplicity through integration into a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of mineral release from passive diffusion-controlled dissolution to active electrochemical reaction. By controlling voltage, current, and electrolyte concentration, the system achieves rapid mineralization with precise control over final mineral composition, resolving both speed and control limitations.
2Use of energy by moving object
If passive dissolution of mineral salts is used, then the process requires no external energy input, but control over final mineral composition is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the mineralization process from energy-independent passive dissolution to energy-dependent active electrolysis. By controlling electrical parameters (voltage, current, duration) and chemical parameters (electrolyte type, concentration), the system achieves precise control over which minerals are released and in what quantities, enabling customization of final water composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an electrolyte solution as an intermediary medium that facilitates controlled ion release. The electrolyte contains precursor compounds that, when subjected to electrolysis, release specific minerals into the water in controlled amounts, providing both energy input mechanism and compositional control.
3Productivity
If electrolytic mineralization with soluble anode is used, then rapid mineralization with control over mineral composition is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated electrolytic mineralization device: the anode serves as both electrode and mineral source, the membrane provides separation and flow control, and the electrolyte chamber houses all reaction components. This consolidation achieves rapid controlled mineralization while limiting complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The soluble anode performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the electrical conductor (electrode), the mineral source (through controlled dissolution), and the reaction surface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, achieving rapid mineralization with controlled composition without excessive device complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If electrolytic mineralization with soluble anode is used, then precise control over mineral concentrations is achieved, but the process requires external energy input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts energy input as necessary to achieve precise control over mineral concentrations. By varying electrical parameters (current, voltage, time) and chemical parameters (electrolyte composition, anode material), the system can precisely control which minerals are released and in what concentrations, with energy serving as the control mechanism rather than a drawback.
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
Enables rapid mineralization of drinking water with precise control over mineral concentrations, ensuring optimal levels of macronutrients and trace elements without additives, using an electric current.
Implementation Method 1
an anode mineralization reactor (31) which contains: a system for introducing the drink to be mineralized (313) communicating with said circulation system (4), said compound constituting a soluble anode, which is connected to the positive pole of an electric current generator (6), said mineral element contained in said compound being capable of forming metal cations under the effect of an electric current
Implementation Method 2
a membrane impermeable to metal cations of said mineral element from the soluble anode under the effect of an electric current, said membrane separating said anode and cathode reactors inside the mineralization device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a facility and a method for mineralising an aqueous beverage, in particular drinking water.