Fuel Cell Seal Partial Polymerization for Geometry Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing seals in fuel cells are complex and costly, making it difficult to achieve satisfactory sealing between components, which is crucial for the proper operation of the fuel cell.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the deposition of uncured polymerizable gaskets on sealing surfaces, partial polymerization to form a surface skin, shaping with a mold, and complete polymerization, allowing for controlled geometry and efficient sealing between stacked components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods for producing seals are used, then sealing between components is achieved, but the manufacturing process is complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The method applies preliminary action by depositing the sealant material on the sealing surface before assembly, then partially polymerizing it to form a stable skin that maintains its shape during stacking. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex post-assembly sealing operations and reduces manufacturing complexity while ensuring reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing process is segmented into distinct stages: deposition of uncured sealant, partial polymerization to form surface skin, shaping with mold, complete polymerization, and stacking. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining high sealing quality.
2Reliability
If existing methods for producing seals are used, then sealing between components is achieved, but manufacturing cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The sealant material performs self-service by automatically forming a stable surface skin through partial polymerization, which maintains its shape without requiring complex external support structures or additional components. This self-stabilizing property simplifies manufacturing and reduces costs while ensuring reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The method changes the polymerization parameter from complete (0% uncured) to partial (some uncured material remains), creating a surface skin that provides structural stability. This parameter change allows the seal to maintain its shape during assembly without requiring complex fixtures, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while ensuring sealing quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If uncured polymerizable sealant is deposited and shaped, then controlled geometry is achieved, but the seal requires additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The uncured sealant is deposited and shaped in advance before stacking, allowing precise geometric control to be established early in the process. The partial polymerization creates a stable skin that preserves this pre-established geometry through subsequent handling and assembly operations, eliminating the need for complex geometric control mechanisms during stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealant undergoes a phase transition from uncured liquid/gel state to partially polymerized state with surface skin formation. This phase change provides structural stability that maintains the controlled geometry established during shaping, allowing the seal to retain its precise dimensions through subsequent stacking and assembly operations without requiring additional geometric control steps.
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 method enables the production of seals with controlled geometry, ensuring satisfactory operation and reducing manufacturing costs by simplifying the assembly process and allowing for efficient sealing between fuel cell components.
Implementation Method 1
partially polymerizing the or each surface gasket so as to form a polymerized surface skin on the gasket
Implementation Method 2
shaping the or each seal by applying a sizing mold to the or each seal and removing the sizing mold
Implementation Method 3
The components are placed under compression before or after the complete polymerization step
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~7
AI summary
The method of producing a leaktight seal (34) between stacked components of a fuel cell, comprises the steps of: - depositing at least one nonpolymerized polymerizable leaktight seal (34) on a leaktight land (36) of at least one (38) of the components, - partially polymerizing the or each leaktight seal (34) at the surface so as to form a polymerized surface skin (34A) on the leaktight seal (34); - shaping the or each leaktight seal (34) by applying a calibration mould (40) to the or each leaktight seal (34) and removing the calibration mould; and - completely polymerizing the or each leaktight seal. Application in particular to fuel cells of PEM or SOFC type.