Fuel Cell Module Auxiliary Device Case Segmentation

Solution Overview

Problem

In fuel cell modules, there is a risk of damage to fuel gas system devices when oxygen-containing gas system devices and fuel gas system devices are stored together in an auxiliary device case, particularly under external load conditions.

Innovation Solution

A fuel cell module design that includes a fuel cell stack, an auxiliary device case for storing both fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas system devices, and a fuel gas system protection mechanism to prevent interference and damage from external loads, utilizing a fracture point in pipes to absorb and distribute loads effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of stationary object

If oxygen-containing gas system devices and fuel gas system devices are stored together in an auxiliary device case, then the size and weight of the fuel cell module are reduced, but the fuel gas system devices may be damaged by external loads applied to the auxiliary device case

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of fuel cell moduleVSAvoidintegrity of fuel gas system devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary device case is segmented into a first storage space for oxygen-containing gas system devices and a second storage space for fuel gas system devices, separated by a partition wall. This segmentation prevents damage to fuel gas system devices from external loads applied to the auxiliary device case, while maintaining the compact integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A partition wall acts as an intermediary structure between the oxygen-containing gas system devices and fuel gas system devices. This partition wall absorbs and distributes external loads, preventing direct transmission of force that could damage the fuel gas system devices, while allowing both device types to coexist in the same auxiliary device case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If oxygen-containing gas system devices and fuel gas system devices are stored together in an auxiliary device case, then the layout improves start-up characteristics, but the fuel gas system devices may be damaged by external loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestart-up characteristicsVSAvoidintegrity of fuel gas system devices

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary device case is segmented into a first storage space for oxygen-containing gas system devices and a second storage space for fuel gas system devices, separated by a partition wall. This segmentation prevents damage to fuel gas system devices from external loads applied to the auxiliary device case, while maintaining the compact integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A partition wall acts as an intermediary structure between the oxygen-containing gas system devices and fuel gas system devices. This partition wall absorbs and distributes external loads, preventing direct transmission of force that could damage the fuel gas system devices, while allowing both device types to coexist in the same auxiliary device case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If both gas system devices are stored in the auxiliary device case, then device integration is improved, but interference between oxygen-containing gas system devices and fuel gas system devices may occur under load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of gas system devicesVSAvoidprevention of device interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary device case is segmented into a first storage space for oxygen-containing gas system devices and a second storage space for fuel gas system devices, separated by a partition wall. This segmentation prevents damage to fuel gas system devices from external loads applied to the auxiliary device case, while maintaining the compact integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A partition wall acts as an intermediary structure between the oxygen-containing gas system devices and fuel gas system devices. This partition wall absorbs and distributes external loads, preventing direct transmission of force that could damage the fuel gas system devices, while allowing both device types to coexist in the same auxiliary device case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11335927B2Fuel cell module

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A fuel cell module is mounted in a fuel cell vehicle. In the fuel cell module, an auxiliary device case is provided on a side part of the fuel cell stack. A hydrogen system auxiliary device for supplying and circulating a hydrogen gas and an oxidizing agent system auxiliary device for supplying and discharging an oxygen-containing gas are placed in the auxiliary device case. A humidifier of the oxidizing agent system auxiliary device includes a fuel gas system protection mechanism. When a load is applied from the front side of the fuel cell vehicle, the fuel gas system protection mechanism prevents interference of the humidifier with the hydrogen system auxiliary device and prevents breakage of the hydrogen system auxiliary device.