Fuel Cell Stack Positioning Structure to Prevent Resin Wear
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The repeated contact between the cell stacked body and the restraining member due to external impacts leads to wear on the resin restraining member, potentially generating resin powder and affecting power generation performance in conventional fuel cell stacks.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell stack design that includes a reinforcing member made of resin bonded to the outer edge of the film member, with a positioning portion engaging with a positioning member to restrict the position of the cell stacked body, enhancing rigidity and preventing deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a resin restraining member is disposed in contact with the outer side surface of the cell stacked body to restrain its position, then the position of the cell stacked body is restricted, but repeated contact due to external impacts causes wear on the restraining member, generating resin powder that adversely affects power generation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a positioning member as an intermediary component between the cell stacked body and the housing. The positioning member, made of resin and integrated with the housing, serves as a mediator that restricts the position of the cell stacked body without requiring direct contact between the cell stacked body and the housing walls. This intermediary structure prevents wear and resin powder generation while maintaining positional restraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning member is designed as a sacrificial component that can be easily replaced. It is made of resin material that is less critical than the cell stacked body, allowing it to serve as a wear-resistant interface that protects the more valuable cell stacked body from damage and resin powder generation.
2Reliability
If a resin restraining member is used to restrict the position of the cell stacked body, then positioning is achieved, but the restraining member is subject to wear from repeated contact, compromising system durability
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member acts as a mediator that absorbs wear from repeated contact. By integrating the positioning member with the housing rather than using a separate restraining member in direct contact with the cell stacked body, the design protects the cell stacked body while maintaining positioning stability over extended service life.
3Strength
If the edge of the separator is positioned on the outer side surface of the cell stacked body for structural support, then the cell stacked body maintains its shape, but contact with external impacts causes wear on any restraining member in contact with this surface
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member serves as an intermediary that prevents direct contact between the housing and the cell stacked body's outer surface. The positioning member's edge contacts the housing while the cell stacked body contacts the positioning member, creating a protective interface that prevents wear and resin powder generation while maintaining structural support.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell stack including a cell stacked body having cell units, a housing, and a positioning member supported by an inner side surface of the housing. The cell unit includes a membrane electrode structure including a membrane electrode assembly and a film member made of resin, and a separator disposed facing the membrane electrode structure and provided with a positioning portion. The film member includes an exposed portion extending outward beyond the positioning portion, the cell unit includes a reinforcing member bonded to the exposed portion, the reinforcing member includes a first positioned portion positioned by the positioning portion and a second positioned portion engaged with or fitted to the positioning member, and an edge of the second positioned portion is positioned at the same position as an outer edge of the film member, or protrudes outward beyond the outer edge of the film member.