Hollow Mixing Element for Electrolyte Stratification in Accumulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing elements in electrochemical accumulators fail to effectively prevent acid stratification, which occurs due to differences in acid density across the height of the accumulator, and are not optimized for efficient electrolyte mixing under normal and varying operational conditions, such as those experienced in motor vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A mixing element with a hollow body design featuring a volume space above and a thin flow channel below, where the circumference reduces gradually, allowing for effective electrolyte mixing and circulation, and is designed to be installed separately in the accumulator housing, utilizing a communicating connection to prevent electrolyte circulation and enhance mixing efficiency without requiring additional mechanical fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mixing element with a hollow body design and thin flow channel is used, then electrolyte mixing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing element is divided into functionally distinct segments: an upper volume space for electrolyte accumulation and a lower thin flow channel for controlled circulation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally - the volume space collects electrolyte during movement, while the thin flow channel forces it through a restricted path to create effective mixing currents.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow body design concentrates the mixing action in the specific location of the thin flow channel, where the restricted circumference creates high-velocity electrolyte flow. The rest of the mixing element maintains a larger volume space that does not restrict flow, allowing electrolyte to accumulate and then be released through the mixing-critical thin channel section.
2Productivity
If the circumference of the hollow body is reduced in the thin flow channel area, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but flow cross section is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing element exploits periodic movement of the accumulator (during vehicle operation) to periodically fill the volume space and periodically force electrolyte through the thin flow channel. This periodic action converts random movement into useful cyclic filling and draining, maintaining effective mixing without requiring continuous high flow through the restricted channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing element uses the natural movement of the accumulator during normal operation to drive the mixing process. The electrolyte itself fills the volume space and then flows through the thin channel under its own momentum and gravity, without requiring external pumping or additional energy input. The design converts operational movement into self-driven mixing action.
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 mixing element significantly reduces acid stratification and improves electrolyte mixing effectiveness, even under low movement stress, while allowing for easy integration or retrofitting into existing accumulator designs without increasing production costs or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
acid stratification refers to different acid densities over the height of the accumulator
Implementation Method 2
the mixing element has the function of a hydrostatic pump
Implementation Method 3
the principle of communicating tubes can advantageously be implemented
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The element (1) has a hollow body provided with apertures (10, 11) such that a channel is formed in the hollow body. The channel opens the opening in opposite end portions. A periphery of a reservoir space (13) is greater than circumference of underlying portions of the mixing element such that the underlying portions form a thin flow channel (17) with respect to a cross-sectional area of the reservoir space. A periphery of the hollow body in an area of the flow channel below a transition is reduced from the reservoir space into the flow channel toward a lower end portion. An independent claim is also included for a rechargeable battery.