Fuel Cell Frame Joint Projection for Membrane Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel cell assembly methods risk damaging the electrolyte membrane during disassembly, making it difficult to collect and recycle the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) without causing damage.
Innovation Solution
The assembly features a dual-frame structure with a joint part that includes a projection, allowing for the MEA to be disassembled by deforming the peripheral part of the projection and stripping the joint part from the second frame, which has an outer diameter smaller than the first frame, thereby preventing direct contact and pressure on the electrolyte membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separation part is formed in the frame to enable disassembly, then the frame can be separated and MEA can be removed, but the electrolyte membrane may be damaged due to direct contact with the separation part during separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a removal tool as an intermediary component between the separation part and the MEA. The removal tool includes a tip that fits into the separation part and a handle for operation. This intermediary tool allows the separation part to be pried open without directly contacting the MEA, thus enabling disassembly while protecting the electrolyte membrane from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into two separable parts: a first frame part and a second frame part. The separation part is formed as a distinct segment that can be pried open using the removal tool. This segmentation allows the frame to be disassembled without requiring direct contact with the MEA, resolving the contradiction between ease of disassembly and MEA protection.
2Strength
If the frame is made as a single integrated piece for structural strength, then the assembly is mechanically robust, but it cannot be disassembled to remove and recycle the MEA
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into a first frame part and a second frame part that are joined together but can be separated. The separation part is formed as a distinct segment between these two parts, allowing the frame to maintain structural integrity during operation while enabling disassembly for MEA removal and recycling.
3Reliability
If the frame is designed to hold the MEA tightly for secure positioning, then the MEA is firmly positioned, but the MEA cannot be removed without damage during disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into separable parts with a separation part that can be pried open using a removal tool. This segmentation allows the frame to hold the MEA tightly during operation while enabling damage-free removal when disassembly is required, as the separation part opens without contacting the MEA.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal tool serves as an intermediary that enables MEA removal without direct contact between the frame and MEA during disassembly. The tool's tip fits into the separation part and provides leverage to open the frame while protecting the MEA, thus facilitating easy removal while maintaining secure positioning during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly, including: an electrolyte membrane; and a frame that holds the electrolyte membrane, wherein the frame includes a first frame that holds one surface of the electrolyte membrane, and a second frame that holds the other surface of the electrolyte membrane, the frame further has a joint part that joins the first frame and the second frame, and the joint part has a projection.