Modular Fuel Cell Silencer With Heat-Stable End Piece Joints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing silencers for fuel cell systems are not easily adaptable to different applications or operating environments, and they do not efficiently dampen noise generated by fuel cell components while considering the limited installation space in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A modular silencer design comprising a tubular plastic silencer jacket and plastic end pieces, connected via material bonding and positive locking, with sound attenuation material and fastening elements for easy integration into various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with standard components is used, then adaptability to different applications is improved, but connection stability under high temperature may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The silencer is divided into modular components (silencer body, end pieces, fastening elements) that can be independently selected and assembled. The silencer body comes in different lengths to match various installation spaces, while end pieces and fastening elements are standardized components that can be reused across different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system combines multiple connection methods (material bonding through gluing or welding, and positive locking through geometric interlocking) to create a composite connection structure that maintains stability under high temperature exhaust gas conditions while allowing modular assembly.
2Ease of operation
If the silencer jacket length is varied to adapt to different installation spaces, then ease of installation is improved, but manufacturing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The silencer system is segmented into a standardized silencer body with variable length options and standardized end pieces. This allows the silencer body to be manufactured in discrete length increments to fit different installation spaces while maintaining consistent connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized end pieces serve multiple functions: they provide a uniform connection interface for different length silencer bodies, incorporate fastening elements for mounting, and include connection features for both material bonding and positive locking. This universality simplifies the overall system despite varying silencer body lengths.
3Strength
If material bonding is used to connect end pieces to the silencer jacket, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system combines material bonding (gluing or welding) with positive locking mechanical features. The material bonding provides strong adhesive strength while the positive locking features (engagement openings and protruding elements) provide geometric interlocking that compensates for variations in surface preparation quality.
4Reliability
If positive locking engagement elements are added to ensure stable connection, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The positive locking engagement elements are integrated into the standardized end pieces as built-in features rather than separate components. The engagement openings and protruding elements are formed as part of the end piece structure during manufacturing, combining the locking function with the mounting function in a single component.
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 silencer effectively adapts to different applications, provides stable connections under high temperatures, and efficiently attenuates noise, while being cost-effective and easy to manufacture using standard components.
Implementation Method 1
connecting at least one silencer end piece, preferably each silencer end piece, to the silencer shell by material bonding, preferably by gluing or welding
Implementation Method 2
connecting at least one silencer end piece, preferably each silencer end piece, to the silencer shell by material bonding, preferably by gluing or welding, for example friction welding or ultrasonic welding
Implementation Method 3
connecting at least one silencer end piece, preferably each silencer end piece, to the silencer shell by material bonding, preferably by gluing or welding, for example friction welding or ultrasonic welding
Implementation Method 4
connecting at least one silencer end piece, preferably each silencer end piece, to the silencer shell by material bonding, preferably by gluing or welding, for example friction welding or ultrasonic welding
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
A silencer, in particular for a fuel cell system, comprises a tubular silencer jacket (24) made of plastic material, elongated in the direction of a silencer longitudinal axis (L), a first silencer end piece made of plastic material fixed to the silencer jacket (24) at a first axial end (26) of the silencer jacket (24), a second silencer end piece (32) made of plastic material fixed to the silencer jacket (24) at a second axial end (30) of the silencer jacket (24), and at least one fastening element (41) for fastening the silencer (22) to a support structure (T) at at least one silencer end piece (28, 32).