Ion Exchange Membrane Electrolysis Cell With V-Shaped Spring Cathode Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bipolar cells for ion exchange membrane electrolysis face challenges in maintaining consistent electrode distance and preventing ion exchange membrane damage, particularly in large-scale systems, due to the use of conventional non-rigid and rigid materials which can lead to uneven electrode spacing and membrane deformation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a cell design where a rigid cathode and cathode partition wall are connected by compressible V-shaped springs, with a metal elastic body and flexible cathode layers, and an optional conductive member for improved electrical connection, allowing for zero-gap assembly and reduced electric power loss by minimizing current path length through the springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional non-rigid materials (woven fabric, non-woven fabric, mesh) are used to connect cathode and partition wall, then the structure provides flexibility and ease of assembly, but the material deforms under excessive pressure causing non-uniform electrode spacing and may prick the ion exchange membrane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the connection structure by replacing soft non-rigid materials with rigid V-shaped springs. This parameter change transforms the connection structure from deformable to rigid, maintaining uniform electrode spacing while providing sufficient mechanical strength to prevent membrane damage under operational pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite connection structure combining rigid V-shaped springs with flexible positioning mechanisms. The V-shaped springs provide rigid structural support for uniform spacing, while the overall assembly maintains adaptability through the spring's inherent flexibility and the modular cell design, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid materials (leaf spring, rigid metal plates) are used to connect cathode and partition wall, then the structure maintains stable electrode spacing, but the rigid material damages the ion exchange membrane and causes plastic deformation preventing reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the mechanical parameter of the connection structure by using V-shaped springs with controlled elasticity. This allows the structure to maintain rigid, uniform electrode spacing while the elastic properties prevent excessive force transmission to the ion exchange membrane, avoiding damage and plastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The V-shaped spring structure acts as a cushioning element between the rigid cathode assembly and the ion exchange membrane. The spring's elastic deformation capacity absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses before they reach the membrane, providing beforehand protection against damage while maintaining precise electrode positioning.
3Strength
If V-shaped springs are used to connect cathode and partition wall in existing bipolar cells, then the structure provides mechanical support, but the electrical resistance of the springs causes power loss in electrolysis operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conductive member as an intermediary element that bridges the V-shaped spring and the cathode. This conductive member provides a low-resistance electrical pathway, mediating between the mechanical support function of the spring and the electrical conduction requirement, thereby reducing power loss while maintaining mechanical integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure becomes a composite system combining the V-shaped spring (providing mechanical support) with a conductive member (providing electrical conduction). This composite approach allows each component to optimize its primary function while working together to reduce overall energy loss in the system.
4Productivity
If multiple components (V-shaped springs, conductive members, metal elastic bodies) are added to improve electrolysis performance, then the cell efficiency increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the V-shaped springs multi-functional by equipping them with both mechanical support and electrical conduction capabilities through the integrated conductive members. This universality allows a single component assembly to perform multiple functions (structural support, electrical connection, positioning), reducing the need for separate dedicated components and simplifying the overall device complexity.
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 design enhances electrolysis performance by maintaining consistent electrode spacing, preventing membrane damage, and reducing electric power loss, while being simpler and more cost-effective than replacing V-shaped springs in existing cells.
Implementation Method 1
the V-shaped spring is compressible so as to provide an electrical connection between the ends on the opening side of the V-shaped spring
Implementation Method 2
a metal elastic body and a flexible cathode are further disposed in layers on the surface of the rigid cathode
Data Source
Figure 1~2(d)
Figure 3(a)~5
Figure 6~8(b)
AI summary
Provided is a cell for ion exchange membrane electrolysis obtained by improving the performance in electrolysis of an existing bipolar cell for ion exchange membrane electrolysis, in which a cathode partition wall and a rigid cathode being connected together by a plurality of intermediating V-shaped springs, by a simple method. It is a cell for ion exchange membrane electrolysis which is separated by an ion exchange membrane (7) into an anode chamber (1) having a rigid anode (1a) and an anode partition wall (1b) and a cathode chamber (2) having a rigid cathode (2a) and a cathode partition wall (2b), the rigid cathode (2a) and the cathode partition wall (2b) being connected together by a plurality of intermediating V-shaped springs (3). It is a cell for ion exchange membrane electrolysis in which a metal elastic body (5) and a flexible cathode (6) are disposed in layers on the surface of the rigid cathode (2a), the surface being opposite to the surface to which the V-shaped springs (3) are attached, and a conductive member (4) is disposed near one end on the opening side of a V-shaped spring (3), which conductive member (4) is electrically connected with the V-shaped spring (3) when the V-shaped spring (3) is compressed.