Electrolytic Ozone Cell Coplanar Connection and Tolerance Compressor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrolytic ozone cells are inefficient in producing high concentrations of dissolved ozone and have reliability issues due to complex interconnection components and mechanical decomposition of ozone, which affects the effectiveness and longevity of ozone generation in dental and medical applications.
Innovation Solution
A manifold-compatible electrolytic ozone cell with a coplanar fluidic and electrical connection scheme, featuring a tolerance compressor to maintain compressive forces on the electrode-membrane-electrode stack, and a design that optimizes water flow velocity over triple phase boundaries to minimize bubble formation and mechanical decomposition, integrated with a ultrasonic scaler system for on-demand aqueous ozone generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional interconnection components are used to connect electrolytic ozone cells, then electrical and fluidic connections can be established, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to multiple connection points and mechanical decomposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fluidic and electrical connections into a single coplanar interface where both types of connections are made at the same planar surface between the electrolytic cell and manifold. This merging eliminates the need for separate connection mechanisms, reducing the number of interconnection components and potential failure points while simplifying the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The coplanar interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both fluidic pathways for water and ozone flow, and electrical connections for power delivery to the electrodes. This multi-functional interface reduces the number of specialized components needed and improves system reliability by minimizing mechanical decomposition points.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If water flow velocity is increased to reduce bubble formation, then mechanical decomposition of ozone decreases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes water flow velocity as a critical parameter to minimize bubble formation at the electrode-membrane interface without excessive energy consumption. By carefully controlling the flow velocity parameter, the system reduces mechanical decomposition of ozone while maintaining energy efficiency, achieving an optimal balance between these competing requirements.
3Productivity
If membrane thickness is reduced to improve ozone generation efficiency, then ozone production increases, but compressive forces decrease and reliability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic compression mechanism that automatically adjusts compressive forces on the membrane based on its thickness and operational conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the use of thinner membranes for improved ozone generation efficiency while maintaining sufficient compressive forces to prevent mechanical failure and ensure long-term reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors and adjusts compression parameters in response to membrane thinning over time. By changing compression parameters dynamically, the system maintains optimal balance between membrane permeability for efficient ozone generation and sufficient compressive force for structural integrity and reliability.
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 solution enhances ozone concentration control, reduces mechanical wear, and improves system reliability by minimizing interconnection components, ensuring efficient and reliable ozone production for dental and medical applications.
Implementation Method 1
a tolerance compressor that compresses an electrode-membrane-electrode stack which includes a pair of electrodes and at least one proton exchange membrane
Implementation Method 2
electrolytic ozone cell
Data Source
AI summary
An electrolytic ozone cell that a housing that includes an interfacial seal, a top plate, and bottom plate. The electrolytic ozone cell also includes an internal compartment that having a pair of contact plates, and a tolerance compressor. The tolerance compressor compresses an electrode-membrane-electrode stack that is disposed between the pair of contact plates and the tolerance compressor alters its shape in order to maintain compressive forces on the electrode-membrane-electrode stack.