Fuel Cell Stack Buffer Mounting With Groove-Fitted Elastic Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the assembly of fuel cell stacks, metal separators can scrape resin members during stacking, leading to resin powder contamination and potential fuel gas leaks due to impact-induced position displacement of cells, making it difficult to install a buffer member accurately without damaging it.
Innovation Solution
An impact receiving structure for fuel cell stacks that includes a buffer member with a resin member facing the inner wall corner and an elastic member between the resin member and the stack case, fitted into a groove on the inner wall surface, allowing accurate installation without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the buffer member is installed after the unit cells are stacked, then the clearance can be ensured, but the buffer member cannot be inserted without damaging it due to contact with the side surface of the stacked cell
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member is preliminarily fitted into the groove of the stack case before the stacked cell is installed. This preliminary action allows the buffer member to be pre-positioned with high accuracy, and the elastic member's flexibility enables it to accommodate the stacked cell without damage during the subsequent installation process
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member changes its physical state from a compressed/inserted condition during installation to an expanded/relaxed condition after installation. This parameter change allows the member to transition from a state suitable for precise positioning to a state that accommodates the stacked cell without contact damage
2Reliability
If the distance between the stacked cell and the buffer member is set to several mm or less, then the position displacement can be prevented, but it is difficult to insert and dispose the buffer member between the stack case and the stacked cell
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member utilizes its elasticity parameter to provide a small, controlled distance between the stacked cell and the buffer member. This elastic deformation allows the member to maintain the necessary clearance (several mm or less) while still enabling installation through the groove fitting mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer member is preliminarily installed in the groove before the stacked cell is placed. This preliminary installation ensures the correct positioning and distance control is achieved from the start, eliminating the need for post-installation adjustments
3Ease of manufacture
If an elastic member is attached between the stack case and the stacked cell, then the installation can be performed, but the durability is not preferable and the accuracy of the attachment position is not good due to the influence of adhesive thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is extracted/eliminated from the attachment mechanism. Instead of using adhesive between the elastic member and the stack case, the attachment is achieved through the mechanical interference fit of the elastic member into the groove, providing both durability and positioning accuracy without adhesive thickness variations
Solution Approach 2:
The groove acts as an intermediary structure that mediates the attachment between the elastic member and the stack case. This mechanical intermediary provides precise positioning and secure attachment without relying on adhesive bonds
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 solution prevents resin contamination and cell displacement, ensuring accurate positioning of the buffer member, thereby preventing fuel gas leaks and maintaining stack integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member disposed between the resin member and an inner wall surface of the stack case. Further, the elastic member is fitted into and held by a groove provided on the inner wall surface of the stack case
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for disposing a buffer member in a stack case with high accuracy without damaging the buffer member due to contact between the buffer member and a side surface of a stacked cell. A structure of a fuel cell stack includes a stacked cell configured by stacking a plurality of power generation cells, a stack case in which the stacked cell is accommodated, and a buffer member disposed at an inner wall corner of the stack case. Herein, the buffer member includes a resin member disposed to face the inner wall corner, and an elastic member disposed between the resin member and an inner wall surface of the stack case. The elastic member is fitted into and held by a groove provided on the inner wall surface of the stack case.