Rechargeable Lead-Acid Battery Grid Agitation for Sludge Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rechargeable lead-acid batteries face premature failure due to uneven accumulation of conductive lead compounds and sludge at the bottom of the casing, leading to short circuits.
Innovation Solution
A structural grid is introduced between the plates and the casing bottom, agitated by an electro-mechanical assembly comprising a mixer driven by a motor, to evenly distribute shed lead compounds and sludge, preventing build-up and potential short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lead-acid battery operates during charging cycles, then electrical energy is stored and released, but lead compounds and sludge accumulate unevenly at the bottom of the casing causing short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an electro-mechanical assembly that vibrates the grid structure during charging cycles. This mechanical vibration prevents lead compounds and sludge from accumulating unevenly at the bottom of the casing, thereby eliminating the harmful effect of short circuits while maintaining the battery's electrical energy storage and release function
Solution Approach 2:
The grid structure serves as an intermediary element between the plates and the bottom of the casing. It collects and redistributes lead compounds and sludge that would otherwise accumulate directly at the bottom, preventing short circuits while allowing the battery to function normally
2Reliability
If electro-mechanical assembly is added to agitate the grid structure, then lead compounds and sludge are evenly distributed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-mechanical assembly is designed to be activated automatically during normal charging cycles without requiring external intervention. The system uses the battery's own charging process to power the vibration mechanism, allowing it to self-maintain and prevent sludge accumulation without adding complex external control systems
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 even distribution of lead compounds and sludge extends the battery life by delaying the onset of short circuits, thereby enhancing the battery's operational longevity.
Implementation Method 1
The electro-mechanical assembly includes a mixer disposed in contact with the grid structure and a motor to which the mixer is connected and which is configured to drive bi-directional rotation of the mixer to thereby agitate the grid structure
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable lead-acid battery is provided. The rechargeable lead-acid battery includes a casing, a grid structure and an electro-mechanical assembly. The casing defines an interior configured to accommodate plates and a supply of fluid that is electrically reactive with the plates to generate electricity. The grid structure is interposed between lower edges of the plates and a bottom of the casing. The electro-mechanical assembly is coupled with the grid structure and operable to agitate the grid structure.