Fuel Cell Module Sensor Mounting for Hydrogen Leak Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work vehicles with fuel cell modules and electric motors face challenges in detecting hydrogen leakage efficiently, particularly when the battery is disposed in the hood.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a sensor fixed to the outer surface of the fuel cell module, preferably with a bracket support, allows for easy detection of hydrogen leaks by positioning it near the fuel cell module, and the use of a hinge integrated with the bracket to support the hood, eliminating the need for a separate frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sensor is disposed near the fuel cell module in the hood, then hydrogen leakage detection capability is improved, but device complexity and structural modifications increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen leakage detection capabilityVSAvoidstructural modifications

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sensor support function with the existing fuel cell module structure by fixing the sensor directly to the outer surface of the fuel cell module. This eliminates the need for separate support frames or additional structural modifications, thereby improving hydrogen leakage detection capability while avoiding increased device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fuel cell module's outer surface is utilized as a mounting surface for the sensor, allowing the existing structure to serve dual purposes: housing the fuel cell and supporting the sensor. This self-service approach avoids additional structural modifications while achieving reliable hydrogen leakage detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If additional support structures like frames are added to mount the sensor, then sensor positioning stability is improved, but vehicle length increases and maneuverability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor positioning stabilityVSAvoidvehicle length

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sensor mounting function with the fuel cell module itself, eliminating the need for separate support frames. The sensor is fixed directly to the outer surface of the fuel cell module, providing stable positioning without adding vehicle length or affecting maneuverability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the support function from separate structural elements (frames) and integrates it into the fuel cell module's existing structure. By utilizing the fuel cell module's outer surface for sensor mounting, the design removes unnecessary support structures that would increase vehicle length and reduce maneuverability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 configuration enables reliable detection of hydrogen leaks while reducing the vehicle's length and maintaining maneuverability, without the need for additional structural modifications.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor configured to detect hydrogen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogen detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20260070424A1Work vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 KUBOTA CORP

AI summary

A work vehicle includes a vehicle body, an electric motor and a fuel cell module each installed on the vehicle body, a hood covering the fuel cell module, a pipe through which hydrogen is supplied into the hood, and a sensor configured to detect hydrogen. The sensor is fixed to an outer surface of the fuel cell module.