Fuel Cell Cross-Linking Adhesive for Membrane Seal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cells face challenges in achieving high sealability and adhesiveness at the outer periphery of the electrolyte membrane, leading to potential leaks and increased manufacturing costs due to complex sealing methods and materials that are prone to degradation.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell design incorporating a rubber-based first cross-linking adhesive member with a membrane accommodating portion and intermediate portions for cross-linking adhesion with the electrolyte membrane and frames, along with a gasket covering the frames, to enhance sealability and adhesiveness, while being resistant to heat and moisture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sealing methods and materials are used at the outer periphery of the electrolyte membrane, then manufacturing can proceed with standard materials, but sealability and adhesiveness are insufficient leading to potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite sealing structure consisting of a gasket and a cross-linking adhesive member made from multi-component rubber composition. This composite approach combines the mechanical sealing function of the gasket with the chemical bonding capability of the cross-linked rubber adhesive, achieving high sealability without complex sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes cross-linking reaction to fundamentally change the physical and chemical parameters of the rubber adhesive member. Through cross-linking, the rubber transitions from a soft, uncured state to a hardened, bonded state that provides both adhesion and sealing, eliminating the need for separate sealing components.
2Reliability
If complex sealing methods are used to improve sealability, then leaks can be prevented, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing function and the adhesive bonding function into a single cross-linking adhesive member. This eliminates the need for separate sealing components and complex assembly processes, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining high sealability through the cross-linked rubber structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-component rubber composition performs self-curing through cross-linking reaction when applied. The adhesive member automatically transforms from uncured to cured state, providing both sealing and bonding functions without requiring additional sealing operations or complex manufacturing steps.
3Strength
If standard adhesive materials are used for bonding the gasket to frames and electrolyte membrane, then material selection is simple, but adhesiveness and heat resistance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cross-linking reaction to fundamentally change the physical and chemical parameters of the rubber adhesive member. Through cross-linking, the rubber transitions from a soft, uncured state to a hardened, bonded state that provides both adhesion and sealing, eliminating the need for separate sealing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite sealing structure consisting of a gasket and a cross-linking adhesive member made from multi-component rubber composition. This composite approach combines the mechanical sealing function of the gasket with the chemical bonding capability of the cross-linked rubber adhesive, achieving high sealability without complex sealing mechanisms.
4Reliability
If conventional materials are used in the sealing structure, then material selection is straightforward, but resistance to heat and moisture degradation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cross-linking reaction to fundamentally change the physical and chemical parameters of the rubber adhesive member. Through cross-linking, the rubber transitions from a soft, uncured state to a hardened, bonded state that provides both adhesion and sealing, eliminating the need for separate sealing components.
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 provides high sealability and adhesiveness between the electrolyte membrane and the adhesive member, preventing leaks and reducing manufacturing costs by using a rubber-based adhesive that is resistant to heat and moisture, ensuring the fuel cell's integrity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first cross-linking adhesive member (6) formed of uncross-linked rubber, which includes a membrane accommodating portion (60) having an indented shape for accommodating the outer periphery portion (200) of the electrolyte membrane (20) and a first intermediate portion (61) interposed between the pair of frames (3U, 3D), and which is subjected to cross-linking adhesion with the outer periphery portion (200) of the electrolyte membrane (20) and the pair of frames (3U, 3D)
Implementation Method 2
integrating the first cross-linking adhesive member (6), the outer periphery portion (200) of the electrolyte membrane (20), and the pair of frames (3U, 3D) through cross-linking adhesion
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) having an electrolyte membrane and a pair of electrodes arranged on both sides of the electrolyte membrane in the thickness direction, a pair of frames having a frame shape and holding an outer periphery portion of the electrolyte membrane, a pair of gas diffusion layers arranged inside the pair of frames and on both sides of the MEA in the thickness direction, and a gasket covering at least a part of the pair of frames. The fuel cell further includes a first cross-linking adhesive member formed of rubber which includes a membrane accommodating portion having an indented shape for accommodating the outer periphery portion of the electrolyte membrane and a first intermediate portion interposed between the pair of frames and which is subjected to cross-linking adhesion with the outer periphery portion of the electrolyte membrane and the pair of frames.