Fuel Cell Deformation Absorber Grid Attachment Against Proximal-End Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel-cell-stacks, deformation absorption members can experience excessive plastic deformation and lifting of the proximal end when subjected to load, leading to potential damage and reduced performance due to high pressure applications.
Innovation Solution
An attachment structure and method for a deformation absorption member, featuring raised pieces in a grid pattern from a thin-board-like base material, with joint portions formed by joining adjacent raised pieces to anode or cathode side separators, allowing for controlled deformation and preventing excessive plastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a high pressing force is applied to the separator unit to achieve close contact between laminated components, then conduction resistance is reduced and battery performance is improved, but the proximal end of the deformation absorption member is lifted up and subjected to excessive plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation absorption member is divided into multiple raised pieces arranged in a grid pattern, with joint portions connecting adjacent raised pieces. This segmentation allows the structure to distribute and manage deformation forces more effectively, preventing excessive plastic deformation at any single point while maintaining the overall spring function for absorbing manufacturing errors and thermal expansions.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint portions act as intermediary elements that connect adjacent raised pieces, providing a controlled mechanism for stress distribution. These joint portions prevent the proximal end from being lifted up by distributing the loading forces across multiple connection points, thereby maintaining the integrity of the deformation absorption member while still allowing it to function under high pressing forces.
2Ease of manufacture
If the deformation absorption member is designed with a simple spring function to absorb manufacturing errors, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the proximal end is subjected to excessive plastic deformation under load
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the deformation absorption member into multiple raised pieces with joint portions, the structure maintains relative manufacturing simplicity while significantly improving its ability to resist plastic deformation. The segmented design allows each raised piece to function as an individual spring element, collectively providing enhanced strength and deformation management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation absorption member transitions from a simple one-dimensional spring structure to a two-dimensional grid pattern of raised pieces. This dimensional enhancement provides multiple load paths and distribution points, enabling the structure to resist plastic deformation more effectively while maintaining ease of manufacture through the repetitive grid pattern.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the raised pieces are joined at all locations between adjacent pieces, then structural stability is improved, but the deformation absorption member loses its spring function and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The joint portions are strategically positioned at specific locations between adjacent raised pieces, providing localized reinforcement where needed for structural stability. This selective joining approach maintains the spring function and flexibility of the raised pieces in regions where deformation is required, while providing enhanced stability at the connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of joining all possible locations between adjacent raised pieces, the invention applies partial joining only at specific joint portions. This partial action is sufficient to prevent proximal end lifting and provide structural stability, while leaving other areas unjoined to maintain the spring function and flexibility of the deformation absorption member.
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 enables the deformation absorption member to absorb manufacturing errors and thermal expansions, maintaining close contact between fuel cells and reducing conduction resistance, while preventing excessive deformation and lifting, thus enhancing load-bearing capacity and power generation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The raised pieces are raised from one surface of a base material in a grid pattern... capable of preventing the proximal end from being lifted up as well as preventing the proximal end from being subjected to an excessive plastic deformation
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment structure for a deformation absorption member of a fuel-cell-stack includes a first raised piece raised from one surface of a base material in a grid pattern, and having an extension portion extending from a proximal end, the extension portion abutting at least one of the cathode side separator or the anode side separator, a second raised piece having a proximal end, and a joint portion formed by partially joining a location between the proximal end of the first raised piece and the proximal end of the second raised piece, proximal end of the first raised piece being adjacent the proximal end of the second raised piece in a second direction that intersects a first direction taken from the proximal end of the first raised piece to an extension portion side, to the at least one of the anode side separator and the cathode side separator.