Ion Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer Plate Spring Electrode Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large ion exchange membrane electrolyzers, maintaining a predetermined gap between electrodes is challenging due to electrode deformation and contact issues with the ion exchange membrane, leading to uneven gaps and potential membrane damage.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates plate spring bodies on the electrode chamber partition and collector, with comb-like spring bodies inserted into each other, and engaging openings and members that allow electrodes to move perpendicular to the plane, preventing lateral displacement and maintaining a consistent gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid members are used to connect electrodes to electrode chambers, then structural stability is improved, but the gap between electrodes cannot be reduced to a predetermined value
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible plate spring bodies instead of rigid members to connect electrodes to electrode chambers. These plate springs can deform elastically to accommodate the close spacing requirements while maintaining structural stability, resolving the contradiction between needing small electrode gaps and maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode support structure transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic flexible connection using plate springs. This allows the system to adapt to dimensional changes and maintain stable electrode positioning even at reduced gaps, addressing both structural stability and gap reduction requirements.
2Length of moving object
If flexible members comprising metallic fine wires are used, then the gap between electrodes can be adjusted, but the gap becomes uneven due to partial deformation and fine wires may stick into the ion exchange membrane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces metallic fine wire flexible members with flexible plate spring bodies. The plate spring structure provides uniform flexibility across the electrode surface, preventing localized deformation and ensuring uniform gap maintenance. The plate structure also eliminates the risk of fine wires penetrating the ion exchange membrane.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible plate spring bodies are made from materials that combine flexibility with sufficient rigidity to maintain uniform spacing. This composite approach allows the support structure to be both compliant enough to allow gap adjustment and stiff enough to prevent uneven deformation, solving the contradiction between gap adjustability and uniformity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If plate spring bodies extend obliquely in one direction, then flexibility is improved, but lateral displacement of electrodes occurs when force is exerted from the electrode plane side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses obliquely extending plate spring bodies with asymmetric geometry. The inclined design provides flexibility for vertical gap adjustment while the specific angle and configuration create geometric constraints that prevent lateral displacement. The asymmetric structure converts vertical forces into stabilizing components rather than allowing sideways movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate spring bodies extend in multiple directions including oblique orientations, utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement to achieve both flexibility and stability. By arranging springs at different angles and orientations, the structure gains degrees of freedom for compliant movement while maintaining positional stability through geometric interlocking.
4Manufacturing precision
If electrodes are held firmly to prevent displacement, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the electrode cannot accommodate back pressure from the counter electrode chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic electrode support system using flexible plate springs that can adapt to varying pressure conditions. The plate springs provide firm positioning under normal conditions while allowing controlled deformation when subjected to back pressure from the counter electrode chamber, thus maintaining both positioning accuracy and pressure adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible plate spring structure acts as a cushioning element that anticipates and absorbs back pressure forces. The inherent elasticity of the plate springs provides a buffer that protects the electrode positioning system from sudden pressure changes, allowing the electrodes to remain firmly positioned while accommodating pressure variations.
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 configuration ensures precise assembly, prevents electrode displacement, and maintains a consistent gap between electrodes, promoting effective electrolyte circulation and uniform electrolysis.
Implementation Method 1
plate spring bodies formed on the electrode side of an electrode holding member forming a space with an electrode chamber partition
Implementation Method 2
an ion exchange membrane electrolyzer used for electrolyzing a brine
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an ion exchange membrane electrolyzer, wherein at least one electrode is energized by coming into contact with plate spring bodies formed on the electrode side of an electrode holding member forming a space with an electrode chamber partition bonded to a plate-like electrode chamber partition by a strip-like bonded portion, the electrode has a connected portion extending from a plane parallel to the ion exchange membrane toward the electrode holding member side in a direction perpendicular to the electrode plane, the connected portion is provided with an engaging opening extending in a direction perpendicular to the electrode plane, and the engaging opening engages with an engaging member, permitting the electrode to move in a direction perpendicular to the electrode plane within the displacement range of the plate spring bodies.