Preventing Resin Manifold Cracking in Fuel Cell Stacks
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Summary
Problems
Fuel cell stacks with resin fluid manifolds face damage due to deformation of end plates and thermal expansion differences, leading to potential cracking and inefficiency in fluid flow.
Innovation solutions
Incorporating a cylindrical collar member with projections into the resin fluid manifold, which is supported by the end plate via a tightening bolt, creating a gap between the manifold and the end plate to absorb stress and prevent cracking, allowing for point-to-point or line-to-line contact to manage thermal expansion differences.
TRIZ Analysis
Specific contradictions:
General conflict description:
Principle concept:
If a resin fluid manifold is used in the fuel cell stack, then the cost is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the manifold is susceptible to damage from end plate deformation and thermal expansion
Why choose this principle:
The patent introduces a resilient member (rubber or elastomer material) between the resin fluid manifold and the end plate to provide beforehand cushioning. This resilient member absorbs deformation forces and thermal expansion stresses before they can damage the resin manifold, preventing cracking and damage while maintaining the cost advantages of using resin manifolds.
Principle concept:
If a resin fluid manifold is used in the fuel cell stack, then the cost is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the manifold is susceptible to damage from end plate deformation and thermal expansion
Why choose this principle:
The resilient member acts as an intermediary element between the resin fluid manifold and the rigid end plate. It mediates the interaction by absorbing mechanical stresses and thermal expansion forces, protecting the resin manifold from direct contact with deforming components while still allowing secure mounting.
Application Domain
Data Source
AI summary:
Incorporating a cylindrical collar member with projections into the resin fluid manifold, which is supported by the end plate via a tightening bolt, creating a gap between the manifold and the end plate to absorb stress and prevent cracking, allowing for point-to-point or line-to-line contact to manage thermal expansion differences.
Abstract
A fuel battery stack is provided with: hole portions formed in a coolant supplying manifold; cylindrical collar members provided in the hole portions; and fastening bolts inserted in the cylindrical collar members and screwed in a second end plate. On the inner circumferential surface of each of the hole portions, a plurality of projections that support the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical collar member are provided so as to protrude radially inward.