Fuel Cell Separator Assembly Joining with Elastic Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variations in the height of projections and recesses on fuel cell separators lead to inadequate contact during assembly, increasing electrical resistance between cells.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize an elastic member to bring opposing projections of the separators into contact by elastic deformation, absorbing variations in the corrugations and increasing the number of projections in contact, thereby enhancing the joining process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separators are assembled with variations in corrugation heights, then assembly is easier, but electrical resistance between cells increases due to inadequate contact
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state of the pressing device by introducing elastic deformation capability. The pressing device is designed to elastically deform and adapt to variations in corrugation heights, transforming from a rigid fixed-parameter system to a flexible adaptive system that maintains good contact despite dimensional variations in the separators
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing device transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic elastic structure that can deform and adapt during the pressing process. This dynamic characteristic allows the device to accommodate variations in separator corrugation heights while maintaining consistent pressing force and electrical contact
2Reliability
If rigid pressing is used to ensure contact, then electrical resistance decreases, but variations in corrugation heights cause inadequate contact
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces elastic deformation as a new parameter mechanism in the pressing device, allowing it to adapt to dimensional variations in separators. This elastic parameter change enables the device to maintain consistent pressing force and electrical contact despite variations in corrugation heights among different separators
3Productivity
If separators with projections and recesses are assembled, then fluid flow distribution is improved, but contact between projections is inadequate due to height variations
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing device utilizes elastic deformation to adapt to the three-dimensional variations in projection heights. By changing from a rigid fixed-parameter system to an elastic adaptive system, the device ensures that projections with varying heights can all make adequate contact with the opposing separator, maintaining both fluid flow distribution and electrical contact reliability
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 approach effectively suppresses electrical resistance between cells by ensuring better contact between the corrugations, maintaining power generation characteristics and preventing distortion in the separator assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member is interposed so that the pressing force directed from the first separator side and/or the second separator side is imparted, and the opposing projections are brought into contact with each other by elastic deformation of the elastic member in the joining step
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing a fuel cell separator assembly whereby electrical resistance between cells can be satisfactorily suppressed. [Solution] The present invention is a method for manufacturing a fuel cell separator assembly (12), the manufacturing method having a joining step for bringing opposing projections of uneven portions of separators (13, 14) into contact with each other through use of pressing members (220) and joining the projections through use of a welding robot (250). In the joining step, an elastic member (230) is interposed so that a pressing force directed from a first separator side and/or a second separator side is imparted, and the opposing projections are brought into contact with each other by elastic deformation of the elastic member.