Fuel Cell Case Impact Protection via Sacrificial Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell vehicles face the challenge of hydrogen gas leakage and deformation of the fuel cell case due to external forces, such as impacts, which can lead to breakage of the unit cell in the stack case, as existing structures do not effectively distribute and absorb impact forces.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell system design featuring an auxiliary device with a first support part and a second support part, where the first support part is designed to break before the second, allowing the main body part to abut against the fuel cell case, reducing deformation and damage by distributing the impact force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the auxiliary device is fixed adjacent to one side surface of the fuel cell stack, then the device complexity is reduced and space is saved, but the fuel cell case may deform and unit cells may break when external impact forces are applied
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple support parts (first support part and second support part) at different positions on the fuel cell case. This segmentation allows the impact force to be distributed across multiple attachment points, preventing concentrated stress that could cause case deformation or unit cell breakage while maintaining the auxiliary device's functional integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The first support part is designed with lower strength than the second support part, creating a predetermined failure sequence. When impact occurs, the first support part breaks first as a sacrificial element, absorbing impact energy and preventing the force from reaching the fuel cell case and unit cells, while the second support part remains intact to maintain structural stability
2Volume of moving object
If the auxiliary device is positioned close to the fuel cell case, then space is saved, but direct transmission of impact force to the fuel cell case increases the risk of deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The first support part acts as an intermediary between the auxiliary device and the fuel cell case. It provides a controlled mechanical connection that can fail in a predetermined manner, mediating the transmission of impact forces. When the first support part breaks, it serves as a sacrificial intermediary that absorbs impact energy, preventing direct force transmission to the fuel cell case while the second support part maintains necessary structural connection
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell system and a fuel cell vehicle that prevent deformation of a fuel cell case when an external force is applied are provided. A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell case configured to contain a fuel cell; and an auxiliary device fixed to a side surface of the fuel cell case. The auxiliary device includes: a first support part fixed to the fuel cell case; a second support part fixed to the fuel cell case at a position spaced apart from the first support part; and a main body part supported by the first support part and the second support part spaced apart from the fuel cell case. The first support part is broken before the second support part is broken when an external force is applied to the main body part in a direction approaching the fuel cell case.