Universal Mixing Element for Electrochemical Accumulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing elements for liquid electrolyte-operated electrochemical accumulators are not universally applicable across different types, sizes, and designs, and they often fail to effectively prevent acid stratification due to inadequate electrolyte mixing.
Innovation Solution
A mixing element with externally arranged securing and/or spacer ribs that securely fix and position the element within the accumulator housing, featuring a hollow body with a channel and thin flow channels to enhance electrolyte mixing, allowing for universal application without structural modifications, and incorporating design features like discontinuities and indentations for improved manufacturing and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mixing elements are designed for specific accumulator types, then mixing effectiveness is improved, but adaptability to different accumulator designs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing element is designed with a standardized hollow body and channel structure that maintains consistent mixing performance across different accumulator types. The universal design allows the same mixing element to be installed in various accumulator configurations without structural modifications, resolving the contradiction between maintaining mixing effectiveness and achieving broad adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing element is divided into distinct functional components: the hollow body containing the mixing channel, external securing ribs for mounting, and spacer ribs for positioning. This segmentation allows the core mixing structure to remain unchanged while adapting to different accumulators through modular attachment mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If mixing elements are modified for different accumulator types, then fit and positioning are improved, but manufacturing complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing element is pre-equipped with external securing ribs and spacer ribs during manufacturing. These features are integrated into the basic design, allowing the element to be universally installed in different accumulators without requiring post-manufacturing modifications or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The external securing ribs and spacer ribs are designed to automatically engage with corresponding features in the accumulator housing during installation. The mixing element self-positions and secures itself without requiring additional fastening operations or complex installation procedures.
3Productivity
If the mixing element structure is simplified for easy installation, then installation speed is improved, but securing reliability and positioning precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The securing and positioning functions are separated into distinct external ribs that protrude from the mixing element body. The securing ribs engage with housing features for mechanical attachment, while spacer ribs maintain precise positioning. This segmentation allows simple installation while ensuring reliable securing and accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The external ribs act as intermediary elements between the mixing element and the accumulator housing. These ribs transmit and distribute mechanical forces during installation and operation, enabling reliable securing and precise positioning without requiring complex direct connections between the mixing element body and housing.
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 ensures effective electrolyte mixing across various accumulator types, reduces acid stratification, and facilitates easy installation and manufacturing, while being stackable and adaptable to different accumulator designs, maintaining performance consistency.
Implementation Method 1
designed to be installed into a housing of a liquid electrolyte-operated electrochemical accumulator in order to mix the electrolyte as a result of forces and/or motion exerted on the accumulator during operation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a mixing element designed to be installed into a housing of a liquid electrolyte-operated electrochemical accumulator in order to mix the electrolyte as a result of forces and/or motion exerted on the accumulator during operation, wherein the mixing element is designed as a hollow body provided with at least one respective opening at opposite end regions such that a channel is formed in the hollow body which leads into the at least one respective opening in the opposite end regions and is circumferentially delimited there by the material of the mixing element, wherein the mixing element comprises one or more securing and/or spacer ribs protruding from the external side of the mixing element and designed to contact parts of the accumulator housing in order to fix the mixing element in the accumulator and/or set a specific position of the mixing element relative to the housing parts. The invention further relates to a range of mixing elements as well as an accumulator having at least one mixing element.