Fuel Cell Quick-Connect Plates for Fast Module Swaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and removal of fuel cell modules in applications such as vehicles is time-consuming due to the need for separate attachment and detachment of numerous electrical and fluidic connections, which also requires draining and filling fluidic circuits, leading to extended downtime.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system with a cell-side and application-side attachment plate featuring a fastening mechanism that allows for simultaneous connection and disconnection of multiple connectors, including dry-break connectors, enabling efficient alignment and retention of fluid within the system during installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual connectors are used for electrical and fluidic connections, then connection reliability is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual connectors (electrical and fluidic) into a single integrated attachment plate assembly. The cell-side attachment plate and application-side attachment plate each incorporate multiple connectors that align and connect simultaneously when the plates are mated, allowing all connections to be made in one operation rather than individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment plates serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural mounting, align multiple connectors (both electrical and fluidic), and enable simultaneous connection of all systems. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making the connection process as reliable as individual connectors while reducing installation time through parallel connection of all components.
2Reliability
If fluidic circuits are drained before removal and filled after installation, then air and debris introduction is prevented, but vehicle downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary filling of the fuel cell module with fluid while it is still disconnected from the vehicle. The sealed attachment plates allow the module to be filled in advance, so that when installed, the fluid is already in place and the vehicle can be operational sooner. This preliminary action prevents air introduction while reducing the time the vehicle is out of commission.
3Reliability
If multiple separate connections are made, then system reliability is improved, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate connection operations into a single attachment plate mating operation. All electrical and fluidic connectors are integrated into the attachment plates, so that one mechanical action establishes all connections simultaneously, improving operational efficiency while maintaining the reliability of multiple connections through proper alignment and sealing features.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell system for an application includes a fuel cell module having a cell-side attachment plate. The cell-side attachment plate includes a plurality of connectors and is configured to interface with an application-side attachment plate at the application to align the plurality of connectors of the cell-side attachment plate with a corresponding plurality of connectors of the application-side attachment plate. A fastening mechanism is selectively movable between a locked state, where the cell-side attachment plate is retained at the application-side attachment plate and the plurality of connectors of the cell-side attachment plate and the plurality of connectors of the application-side attachment plate are connected, and an unlocked state, where the plurality of connectors of the cell-side attachment plate and the plurality of connectors of the application-side attachment are disconnected and the fuel cell module is movable relative to the application-side attachment plate.