Fuel Cell Frame with Restraining Ribs for Gas Flow Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fuel cell single cells face challenges in maintaining sufficient rigidity while thinning the frame, leading to potential deformation that blocks reaction gas flow.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a low-rigidity frame with a gas flow part and restraining ribs to ensure unobstructed gas flow, even when the frame is deformed, through the formation of gas channels and manifold parts in the frame and separators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the frame is thinned to improve performance, then weight and complexity are reduced, but rigidity decreases causing deformation that blocks gas flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe weightVSAvoidgas flow reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is segmented into multiple functional regions: a rigid peripheral portion for structural support, and a flexible intermediate portion containing gas flow paths. This segmentation allows different parts of the frame to have different rigidity requirements, enabling thinning while maintaining gas flow reliability in critical areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the frame are designed with different rigidity characteristics. The peripheral frame portion maintains high rigidity for structural stability, while the intermediate portion containing gas flow paths is designed with controlled flexibility to accommodate deformation without blocking gas flow, achieving local optimization of both weight and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If the frame is thinned to reduce complexity, then manufacturing is simplified, but the frame deforms blocking reaction gas flow from manifold parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe structure complexityVSAvoidgas flow畅通性

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure is divided into distinct functional zones: rigid support regions at the periphery and flexible gas flow regions in the intermediate area. This segmentation simplifies the overall design by clearly defining the function of each region, while ensuring gas flow paths are protected from deformation through their specific structural configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate portion of the frame is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow controlled deformation. The gas flow paths in this region can adapt to frame deformation through their flexible configuration, ensuring continuous gas flow even when the thin frame deforms under operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If a low-rigidity frame is used to simplify structure, then manufacturing is easier, but gas channels may close when the frame deforms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe manufacturing easeVSAvoidgas channel openness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is manufactured as an integrated structure with segmented functional regions. The intermediate portion containing gas flow paths is designed with built-in geometric features that maintain channel openness even when the overall frame deforms, combining manufacturing simplicity with reliable gas flow characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gas flow paths in the intermediate portion are pre-configured with geometric features that prevent closure before deformation occurs. This preliminary anti-action design ensures that even when the low-rigidity frame deforms under operational stress, the gas channels remain open due to their pre-engineered deformation-resistant geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

This configuration prevents gas channel closure and ensures uninterrupted reaction gas flow with a simple structure, enhancing the robustness and efficiency of fuel cell single cells and stacks.

Implementation Method 1

hydrogen is ionized on an electrode catalyst and moved to the cathode electrode through the electrolyte membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

hydrogen is ionized on an electrode catalyst and moved to the cathode electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Fuel Cell

Implementation Method 3

the produced electron is collected to an external circuit and used as direct-current electric energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10411273B2Single cell structure for fuel cells, and fuel cell stack structure wherein said fuel cell single cells are stacked

Publication Date: 2019.09.10 NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

The fuel cell single cell of the present invention includes: a membrane electrode assembly; a low-rigidity frame that supports the membrane electrode assembly; a pair of separators that holds the low-rigidity frame and the membrane electrode assembly therebetween; a gas channel for supplying gas to the membrane electrode assembly between the pair of separators; manifold parts that are formed in the low-rigidity frame and the pair of separators to supply the gas to the gas channel; restraining ribs that restrain the low-rigidity frame near the manifold parts; a projected part of the low-rigidity frame that projects toward the manifold parts beyond the restraining ribs; and a gas flow part that is formed in the projected part to supply the gas from the manifold part to the gas channel.