Fuel Cell Stack Case Shock Absorption Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel cell devices are prone to external shock, which can cause the cell stack to be exposed outside the stack case, leading to potential damage and exposure.
Innovation Solution
The fuel cell device incorporates a stack case with end plate facing portions of higher rigidity than the bottom surface, rib portions on the bottom surface to absorb shock, and mount portions that couple side and end plate facing portions, preventing detachment and exposure of the cell stack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stack case is made with uniform rigidity throughout, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the shock absorption capability is insufficient and the cell stack may be exposed during external shock
Solution Approach 1:
The stack case is designed with non-uniform rigidity distribution: the bottom surface portion has lower rigidity to absorb shock, while the end plate facing portions have higher rigidity to maintain structural integrity. This local differentiation allows the case to absorb shocks effectively while preventing cell stack exposure, resolving the contradiction between shock absorption capability and structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If the end plate facing portions are made with higher rigidity than the bottom surface portion, then the shock absorption capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the end plate facing portions (first and second end plate facing portions) with higher rigidity than the bottom surface portion. This is achieved through localized structural design rather than changing the entire case structure, allowing improved shock absorption while maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity.
3Reliability
If the mount portions are designed to couple the side surface portions to the end plate facing portions, then the prevention of detachment during shock is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mount portions are integrated into the stack case structure, merging the coupling function with the case itself. This integration allows the side surface portions to be firmly coupled to the end plate facing portions, preventing detachment during shock while avoiding the need for separate external coupling components, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and structural complexity.
4Reliability
If the rib portions are positioned at a distance from the end plate facing portions, then the shock absorption capability is improved, but the structural strength in that region decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rib portions are strategically positioned at a distance from the end plate facing portions, creating zones of different rigidity. The areas with rib portions have enhanced shock absorption, while the end plate facing portions maintain high structural strength. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between shock absorption capability and structural strength by assigning different functions to different regions.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell device that can prevent exposure of a cell stack to the outside of a stack case, and a vehicle with the same mounted thereon. The fuel cell device includes a cell stack, end plates disposed at opposite ends of the cell stack in a stacking direction of fuel cells, and a stack case housing the cell stack and end plates. The stack case has a bottom surface portion, end plate facing portions facing the respective end plates, side surface portions extending in the stacking direction, and mount portions disposed near corner portions between the respective side surface portions and end plate facing portions and on outer walls of the respective side surface portions such that the mount portions are positioned in a pair across the bottom surface portion. The bottom surface portion has rib portions disposed thereon that each extends between a pair of the mount portions.