Fuel Cell Stack Assembly Apparatus with Airtightness Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel cell stack assembly methods face issues with airtightness leaks due to changes in repulsive force, complex and time-consuming assembly processes, and inconvenient orientation for workers, requiring disassembly and reassembly for defect repair.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that detects airtightness by pressing fuel cell components and maintains a pressed state for convenient fastening, using a lift plate, press body, and fixing rods, with an airtightness detection unit to ensure a secure seal before final fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the stacked body is completely fastened after pressure caused by the press is released, then the assembly process is completed, but a leak may occur in the fuel cell stack due to change in repulsive force of the stacked body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing airtightness detection while the stacked body is still in the pressed state, before complete fastening is finalized. This allows detection of potential leaks while the components are held together by pressing force, enabling corrective action before the assembly is fully completed and potentially defective.
2Productivity
If the stacked body is completely fastened, then the assembly process is completed, but the entire assembly processes become complex and a substantial amount of time is required for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs airtightness detection in advance while the stacked body is still pressed, before completing the fastening process. This preliminary detection prevents the need for disassembly and reassembly if defects are found, thereby simplifying the overall assembly process and reducing total assembly time despite the additional detection step.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing device serves dual purposes: it not only presses the stacked body for assembly but also provides the platform for airtightness detection. The pressing force itself creates the conditions necessary for detection, eliminating the need for separate detection equipment and processes.
3Productivity
If the stacked body is fastened from a bottom side, then the fastening is completed, but it is an inconvenient orientation for a worker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional fastening approach by detecting airtightness from the top side of the stacked body while it is in the pressed state, rather than fastening from the bottom side after assembly. This inversion allows workers to perform detection and fastening operations from a more convenient orientation, improving ease of operation.
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
Reduces leaks from repulsive force changes, simplifies assembly, improves productivity, and eliminates the need for disassembly by detecting and addressing airtightness defects before final assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The press body may be connected with an operating rod of a press cylinder disposed on the press frame
Implementation Method 2
applies a force to the fuel cell components stacked on the lift plate
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of fixing rods installed on the press body, fastened to the lift plate, and that couple the press body to the lift plate with the pressed stacked body disposed therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for assembling a fuel cell stack is provided. The apparatus exerts a force on fuel cell components stacked on a stacking guide and couples a pressed stacked body formed of the pressed fuel cell components by a fastening member. The apparatus includes a lift plate that is disposed on an inner bottom of the stacking guide and a press body that is installed on a press frame to be movable in a vertical direction, and exerts a force onto the fuel cell components stacked on the lift plate. A plurality of fixing rods are disposed on the press body and are fastened to the lift plate, and coupled the press body integrally to the lift plate with the pressed stacked body disposed therebetween.