Fuel Cell Sealing Member Bubble-Forming Adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealing methods in fuel cells rely on contact and pressing, leading to decreased pressure over time due to gas permeability, which deteriorates sealability.
Innovation Solution
A sealing member with an adhesive layer containing bubbles, applied between the cathode and anode separators, which foams during heating to adhere strongly to the separators, enhancing sealability by filling the space between them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sealing methods using porous elastic bodies with contact and pressing are used, then initial sealability is achieved, but pressing force decreases over time due to gas permeability, deteriorating sealability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressing system (porous elastic bodies relying on contact pressure) with a chemical bonding system (adhesive layer). The adhesive layer forms strong chemical bonds between the membrane electrode assembly and separators, eliminating the need for continuous mechanical pressing force and preventing sealability deterioration over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite adhesive layer containing both solid adhesive matrix and dispersed bubbles. This composite structure provides both strong bonding capability (from the adhesive matrix) and effective space-filling sealing (from the bubbles that fill gaps and adhere to separator surfaces), resolving the contradiction between initial sealing and long-term durability.
2Reliability
If adhesive layer with bubbles is used to fill space between separators, then sealability is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases due to foaming process control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water or solvent from liquid to gas during heating to generate bubbles in the adhesive layer. This self-foaming process occurs naturally during the heating step already required for fuel cell operation, eliminating the need for separate foaming equipment or complex manufacturing processes while achieving effective space-filling sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer performs dual functions: it provides bonding (adhering to separators) and self-foaming (generating its own bubbles through water/solvent evaporation during heating). This self-service capability eliminates the need for external foaming agents or complex manufacturing controls, reducing manufacturing complexity while enhancing sealability.
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
The solution effectively suppresses the deterioration of sealability over time by providing a strong adhesive force that maintains the seal, improving the durability and efficiency of the fuel cell.
Implementation Method 1
the adhesive layer contained in the sealing member is foamed by the heating
Implementation Method 2
heating the stack formed by said forming, wherein the adhesive layer included in the sealing member is foamed by said heating
Implementation Method 3
an adhesive layer arranged on at least one face of the base material, wherein the adhesive layer contains many bubbles in an adhered state
Implementation Method 4
the adhesive layer or the one of the separators may contain water or a solvent, and in said heating, the water or the solvent foams, and thereby, the adhesive layer foams
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a sealing member that can suppress a deterioration in sealability over time. The sealing member is arranged between a cathode separator and an anode separator, with the sealing member the cathode separator and the anode separator being adhered and a space therebetween being sealed, the cathode separator and the anode separator being provided for a power generating unit cell in a fuel cell, the sealing member including: a base material; and an adhesive layer arranged on at least one face of the base material, wherein the adhesive layer contains many bubbles in an adhered state.