Galvanic Cell Unit Sealing via Hydraulic Pressure Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
The performance of galvanic cell units is limited by sealing problems and uneven surface pressure distributions, which restrict the maximum height and output power of the galvanic cell stacks.
Innovation Solution
A galvanic cell unit design featuring pressure pads with pressurized fluid that applies even surface pressure to the galvanic cell stack, using a pressure chamber and pistons to ensure consistent force distribution, and a combination of pressure plates and membranes for efficient force transmission, allowing for optimized stackability and reduced material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional clamping means with bolt connections are used to brace terminating units, then the galvanic cell package is secured, but sealing problems and uneven surface pressure distributions occur, limiting maximum stack height and performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure pad containing pressurized fluid (hydraulic or pneumatic system) to replace traditional bolt connections. The pressurized fluid generates uniform distributed pressure across the galvanic cell stack, eliminating uneven surface pressure and sealing problems while maintaining structural security. This hydraulic/pneumatic approach transforms discrete mechanical fastening into continuous pressure distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure application parameter from discrete point loads (bolt connections) to continuous distributed pressure (pressurized fluid). By controlling fluid pressure, the system can uniformly apply force across the entire stack surface, ensuring reliable sealing without the complexity of multiple fastening points and achieving higher stack heights.
2Power
If the number of galvanic cells in the stack is increased to improve output power, then performance increases, but sealing problems and uneven pressure distribution become more severe
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurized fluid in the pressure pad provides uniform distributed pressure that scales with stack height. As more galvanic cells are added to increase power output, the hydraulic/pneumatic system maintains consistent pressure distribution across the entire stack, preventing sealing failures that would occur with traditional clamping methods on taller stacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure pad divides the pressure application into multiple localized pressure zones through its structure, ensuring each section of the tall stack receives appropriate sealing pressure. This segmented approach allows the stack to be extended to greater heights while maintaining reliable sealing at each interface.
3Reliability
If pressure is applied to the galvanic cell stack to ensure sealing, then gas-tightness is achieved, but local load peaks cause uneven surface pressure distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurized fluid inherently provides uniform distributed pressure because fluid pressure acts equally in all directions (Pascal's principle). This eliminates local load peaks that occur with point-based mechanical fastening, achieving gas-tight sealing through smooth, even pressure distribution across the entire stack surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates homogeneous pressure distribution across the stack by using pressurized fluid. The fluid ensures that pressure is uniformly applied to all surfaces, eliminating the heterogeneity and local stress concentrations characteristic of traditional clamping structures, thereby achieving reliable sealing without uneven load 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
This design enhances the efficiency and performance of galvanic cell units by maintaining uniform surface pressure and preventing local load peaks, enabling higher power output and compact design while minimizing material requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure pad is set up to hold a pressurized fluid and has a pressure chamber for receiving the pressurized fluid
Implementation Method 2
a pressure pad for transmitting a sealing force to the galvanic cell pack by means of one of the two pressure plates or membranes
Implementation Method 3
the pressure chamber is delimited on the galvanic cell side by a plurality of pistons and is set up to apply pressure to the plurality of pistons in the direction of the galvanic cell stack
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The electroplating cell unit (1) has a electroplating cell stack (21) for generating electric power, which comprises several stacked electrode metal sheets and membranes. Two end units (2) arranged at both sides of electroplating cell stack, comprise pressure plates or membranes (5) for pressurizing the electroplating cell stack. Each end unit comprises pressure pad which transmits sealing force to the electroplating cell stack by pressure plates or membranes. The pressure pad receives the pressurized fluid.