Fuel Cell Water-Gas Separator Blade Structure Without Ring Cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blade structures for water gas separators in fuel cell systems are complex, difficult to manufacture, and costly, with a ring cartridge structure connecting adjacent blades, which complicates assembly and can lead to unstable press-fit installations.
Innovation Solution
A simplified blade structure with a cylindrical body and independently extending blades, eliminating the ring cartridge structure and incorporating a retaining structure, such as an end projection, for secure assembly within the water gas separator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a ring cartridge structure is used to connect adjacent blades, then the blade structure can be assembled, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the ring cartridge structure from the blade assembly, extracting the problematic connecting component that caused manufacturing complexity. The blades are now designed to extend independently from the cylindrical body without requiring separate connecting rings, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the blade mounting function directly into the cylindrical body structure. Instead of using separate ring cartridges to connect blades, the cylindrical body itself provides the mounting surface and structural support, merging multiple functions into a single integrated component that reduces both manufacturing and structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a ring cartridge structure is used to connect adjacent blades, then the blades can be assembled, but the assembly process becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the ring cartridge structure, the patent eliminates the additional assembly step of installing connecting rings between blades. The blades can now be assembled directly to the cylindrical body, significantly reducing assembly difficulty and time while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains the independence of each blade as a separate component that extends from the cylindrical body, allowing for modular assembly. This segmentation approach enables easy installation and replacement of individual blades without affecting other components, improving assembly efficiency.
3Reliability
If press-fit installation is used for the blade structure, then the blades can be secured, but the system stability becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the press-fit installation requirement by eliminating the ring cartridge structure that necessitated this insecure mounting method. The new design provides alternative securing mechanisms that achieve reliable system stability without the instability issues associated with press-fit installation.
4Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used in the blade structure, then the structure can be assembled, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cylindrical body and blade mounting functions into a single integrated structure. The cylindrical body directly provides the mounting surface for multiple blades without requiring separate ring cartridge components, reducing the total number of parts and lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical body is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, acts as a mounting surface for multiple independent blades, and maintains the overall assembly integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, lowering manufacturing costs.
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 simplified blade structure reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, facilitates easier assembly, and enhances system stability by eliminating the need for press-fit installation and reducing moisture-related performance degradation in fuel cell systems.
Implementation Method 1
As the airflow passes through the blade structure, the resulting centrifugal force causes moisture to be deposited on the blade surface
Data Source
AI summary
A blade structure for a water gas separator of a fuel cell includes (i) a cylindrical body, (ii) a plurality of blades adapted to separate moisture from gas in an air flow, the plurality of blades extending independently and separately from an outer surface of the cylindrical body outwardly and in a separation relationship between at least two adjacent blades outside an area of the cylindrical body, and (iii) a retaining structure formed on the blade that allows the blade structure to be retained in a water gas separator. The blade structure of the water gas separator of the fuel cell is simplified, more convenient for processing and manufacturing, less costly to manufacture, and in some examples the press-fit installation of the existing blade structure is removed, making installation of the blade structure in the water gas separator easier and more stable.