Fuel Cell Unit Adapter With Partition Wall For Heat Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in fixing fuel cell stack and power converter cases of different sizes while minimizing heat conduction between them, which can affect the performance of both the fuel cell stack and the power converter.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell unit design that includes an adapter with flange portions corresponding to the sizes and shapes of the respective cases, along with a partition wall portion to suppress heat conduction, allowing easy fixation and integration of the cases while maintaining efficient heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the first case and second case are fixed directly to each other, then the fixation is simple, but the cases of different sizes cannot be fixed properly and heat conduction occurs between the fuel cell stack and power converter
Solution Approach 1:
An adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the first case and second case. The adapter includes a first flange portion that matches the first case, a second flange portion that matches the second case, and a partition wall portion that blocks heat conduction. This mediator enables proper fixation of differently sized cases while preventing harmful heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is segmented into distinct functional portions: a first flange portion for connecting to the first case, a second flange portion for connecting to the second case, and a partition wall portion for blocking heat conduction. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently, resolving both the fixation and heat management issues.
2Ease of operation
If opening portions are provided in both cases for electrical connection, then electrical connection is enabled, but heat conduction occurs through the opening portions affecting both the fuel cell stack and power converter
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall portion acts as a thermal barrier intermediary positioned between the opening portions of the first and second cases. It allows electrical connection through the adapter while blocking heat conduction, thus enabling electrical connectivity without the harmful thermal effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter exhibits local quality differentiation: the flange portions provide structural connection and electrical pathway, while the partition wall portion provides thermal insulation. This localized functional differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of electrical connection and heat conduction prevention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cases are made different sizes to accommodate different components, then component accommodation is optimized, but fixation between cases becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves multiple universal functions: it connects to differently sized cases through matching flange portions, provides structural support for fixation, enables electrical connection pathways, and blocks heat conduction. This multi-functionality allows cases of different sizes to be fixed together while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as a mediating interface between cases of different sizes. Its first flange portion adapts to the first case dimensions while its second flange portion adapts to the second case dimensions, enabling fixation between differently sized components without requiring the cases themselves to be modified.
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 enables easy fixation of cases of varying sizes and effectively suppresses heat conduction between the fuel cell stack and power converter, enhancing the performance and reliability of the fuel cell unit by preventing heat-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
heat of the fuel cell stack may be conducted to the power converter via the opening portions, which may affect electronic parts of the power converter. In addition, heat of the power converter may be conducted to the fuel cell stack
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell unit includes: a first case housing a fuel cell stack; a second case housing a power converter; an adapter fixing the first and second cases together; and a conductive member connecting between the fuel cell stack and the power converter. A first flange portion, surrounding a first opening portion, of the first case and a second flange portion, surrounding a second opening portion, of the second case are different in at least one of shape and size. The adapter includes: a third flange portion corresponding to the first flange portion; a fourth flange portion corresponding to the second flange portion; a surrounding wall portion continuous from the third flange portion to the fourth flange portion to define an internal space communicating with openings inside the third and fourth flange portions; and a partition wall portion between the first opening portion and the second opening portion.