Fuel Cell Heater Connector Structure to Prevent Terminal Misassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cells, incorrect assembly of power terminals to the heater assembly can prevent the heater from heating the end cell, leading to inefficient startup and power generation during low outdoor temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell design with a heating element connected to a first connector and a second connector, where the first connector has a protruding terminal and is fixed with an adhesive member, ensuring stable power supply to the heater assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If terminals are erroneously assembled and connected to the heater assembly, then the heater assembly cannot heat the end cell, but the patent structure ensures correct connection through protruding terminals and receiving recesses
Solution Approach 1:
The connector structure employs asymmetric design where the first terminal protrudes in a specific direction (second direction intersecting the first direction) and the plate has a corresponding receiving recess at a specific position. This asymmetric configuration ensures that terminals can only be connected in the correct orientation, preventing erroneous assembly while maintaining heating function reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary component between the heating element and the plate. The first connector with the protruding first terminal and the receiving recess create a mediating connection structure that ensures proper electrical connection and mechanical positioning, thereby guaranteeing reliable heating function while managing the complexity through standardized connector design.
2Productivity
If the heater assembly is not capable of heating due to incorrect terminal assembly, then startup efficiency deteriorates, but the patent design prevents incorrect assembly through structured connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric connector design with the protruding first terminal and the positioned receiving recess ensures that only correct terminal assembly enables heating function. This prevents incorrect assembly that would otherwise reduce startup efficiency, while the structured connector design manages the complexity through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector structure is designed in advance with the first terminal protruding in a predetermined direction and the receiving recess positioned at a specific location on the plate. This preliminary configuration ensures that correct assembly is built into the structure before operation, preventing startup efficiency deterioration from incorrect assembly.
3Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive member is used to fix the connector to the heating part, then connection stability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive member serves as an intermediary fixing element between the first connector and the heating part. It provides stable bonding while allowing for standardized manufacturing processes. The adhesive is applied in a controlled manner within the connector assembly process, managing manufacturing complexity through established adhesive bonding techniques.
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
Ensures stable heating of the end cell, improving initial startup and power generation efficiency by preventing incorrect assembly issues.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element disposed between the at least one of the two end portions of the cell stack and the plate
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell according to the disclosure includes a cell stack including a plurality of unit cells stacked in a first direction, a plate disposed at on least one of two end portions of the cell stack, a heating element disposed between the at least one of the two end portions of the cell stack and the plate and including a first connector including a first terminal protruding in a second direction intersecting the first direction and coupled to the plate in the first direction, and a second connector including a second terminal coupled to the first connector in the second direction and electrically connected to the first terminal.