Fuel Cell Stack Assembly with Rotary Transfer and Parallel Pressing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual assembly of fuel cell stacks, particularly for high power outputs, is time-consuming and strenuous, especially for large stacks, and lacks automation in the stacking and pressing processes.
Innovation Solution
An assembly device with two working areas and a rotary-lifting table facilitates simultaneous assembly and pressing of fuel cell stacks, utilizing robots and a stacking aid to automate the process, allowing for rapid throughput and ergonomic handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual stacking is used to assemble fuel cell stacks, then worker flexibility is maintained, but assembly time increases and worker burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly device divides the fuel cell stack assembly process into two distinct working areas: a first working area for stacking components and a second working area for pressing and fixing. This segmentation allows different operations to be performed simultaneously by different systems, enabling automation while maintaining process flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A rotary-lifting table serves as an intermediary device between the first and second working areas. It transfers the stacked components from the stacking area to the pressing area, and simultaneously returns the pressing fixtures to the stacking area. This intermediary mechanism enables continuous automated operation without manual intervention for transfer.
2Productivity
If single-area assembly is used, then device complexity is reduced, but production throughput time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly device is divided into two independent working areas that can operate simultaneously. The first working area handles stacking operations while the second working area handles pressing and fixing operations, allowing parallel processing that reduces overall throughput time despite increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary-lifting table enables continuous operation by simultaneously performing two functions: transferring stacked components to the pressing area while returning pressing fixtures to the stacking area. This continuous cyclic operation eliminates idle time and maintains productive action throughout the entire system.
3Productivity
If automated stacking is implemented, then assembly speed increases, but accessibility to stacking point may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking aid includes a cage door that can be opened and closed, and a base cage that can be raised and lowered by the lifting device. This dynamic design allows workers to access the stacking point when needed while maintaining an enclosed, organized stacking environment during automated operation, balancing accessibility with automation efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly device for assembling a fuel cell stack (2), comprising a first working area (11) in which stack components (20) are stacked to form a stack in a stacking aid (4), a second working area (12) in which stack components (20) stacked to form a stack in the first working area (11) are pressed and fixed together with a base plate (21) and a cover (22) to form a fuel cell stack (2), and a rotary-lifting table (3) with a lifting device (30) and a rotary axis (31) which is arranged between the first working area (11) and the second working area (12) and which is set up for a 180° rotation in order to convey the stacked stack components (20) from the first working area (11) to the second working area (12).