Fuel Cell Membrane Electrode Assembly Alignment via Bonding Roll Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

The decal method for manufacturing membrane-electrode assemblies in fuel cell production faces challenges in aligning the anode and cathode catalyst electrode layers due to feeding speed differences and non-constant pitch between the layers, leading to difficulties in precise lamination during the roll lamination process.

Innovation Solution

A manufacturing apparatus and method that includes electrode film sheet and electrolyte membrane sheet supply units, drive and driven bonding rolls with engraved and embossing portions, and position sensors to adjust the relative rotation position of the bonding rolls, ensuring accurate alignment of the anode and cathode electrode layers on the electrolyte membrane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the roll lamination process is used to manufacture membrane-electrode assembly, then manufacturing speed is improved, but alignment precision of catalyst electrode layers deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing speedVSAvoidalignment precision of catalyst electrode layers
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating the catalyst electrode layers on the electrode films before the lamination process. The electrode films are prepared with catalyst layers in advance, and alignment marks are pre-established on the electrode films and electrolyte membrane. This preliminary preparation enables the continuous roll lamination process to maintain both high speed and precise alignment, as the materials are already configured for optimal positioning before entering the bonding rolls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If continuous roll lamination is used, then mass production capability is improved, but lamination position alignment deteriorates due to feeding speed difference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass production capabilityVSAvoidlamination position alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to detect the positions of alignment marks on the electrode films and electrolyte membrane during the roll lamination process. The system continuously monitors the feeding speeds and positions of the materials, and automatically adjusts the rotation speeds of the bonding rolls to maintain precise alignment. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables continuous mass production while maintaining accurate lamination positioning despite variations in feeding speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Strength

If high temperature and high pressure bonding rolls are used, then lamination bonding strength is improved, but alignment control capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strength of electrode layersVSAvoidalignment control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the alignment control function from the bonding function. The alignment marks are distinctly segmented and positioned on the electrode films and electrolyte membrane, allowing independent detection and adjustment of alignment before the materials enter the high temperature and high pressure bonding rolls. This segmentation enables the bonding rolls to focus on providing strong bonding while the alignment system independently manages positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution enables precise alignment and uniform transfer of the electrode layers, improving the quality and productivity of the membrane-electrode assembly by adjusting the relative rotation position of the bonding rolls based on position sensor data, ensuring correct positioning of the layers.

Implementation Method 1

an electrode film coated with each catalyst electrode layer and an electrolyte membrane of a roll type pass a bonding roll of high temperature and high pressure to be laminated (thermally compressed)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11355770B2Apparatus and method for manufacturing membrane-electrode assembly of fuel cell
Publication Date: 2022.06.07 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US11355770B2 patent drawing
  • US11355770B2 patent drawing
  • US11355770B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is a method of the apparatus for manufacturing a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell. The method includes: (a) unwinding an electrolyte membrane sheet from an electrolyte membrane sheet roll, recovering a protect film attached on an electrolyte membrane, and supplying the electrolyte membrane along a set feed path; (b) unwinding a first electrode film sheet including a first electrode film continuously coated with an anode electrode layer and a second electrode film sheet including a second electrode film coated with a cathode electrode layer with a predetermined gap, and supplying the first electrode film sheet and the second electrode film sheet along the set feed path; (c) passing the electrolyte membrane and the first and second electrode film sheets through between a driving bonding roll and a driven bonding roll.