Fuel Cell Stack End Plate Positioning via Intermediary Pins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuel cell stack assembly methods are cumbersome and lack precision in fixing the end plate to the stack case, leading to inefficiencies in applying a tightening load to the cell stack body.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of at least two recesses at the end of the stack case to hold positioning pins, which correspond to positioning holes in the end plate, allows for accurate positioning and easy fixation of the end plate, enabling a straightforward method to apply a tightening load to the cell stack body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional assembly methods are used to fix the end plate to the stack case, then the end plate can be fixed, but the assembly process is cumbersome and lacks precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precision of end plateVSAvoidassembly process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Positioning pins are introduced as intermediary elements to bridge the stack case and end plate. The pins physically mediate the positioning relationship between these two components, ensuring precise alignment during assembly. The pins fit into corresponding positioning holes on both the stack case and end plate, creating a reliable intermediary connection that eliminates positioning errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning pins are pre-installed on the stack case before the end plate is attached. This preliminary action of placing the pins in their correct positions ensures that when the end plate is brought into place, the positioning holes automatically align with the pins, guiding the end plate into the correct position without requiring complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If conventional assembly methods are used to fix the end plate to the stack case, then the end plate can be fixed, but the assembly operation is difficult to perform

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of fixing end plateVSAvoidassembly structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning pins serve as mediators that simplify the operation of fixing the end plate. By providing physical guides that automatically align the positioning holes with the pin locations, the pins mediate the complex alignment task, making the assembly operation straightforward and easy to perform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning mechanism is designed to be self-aligning. When the end plate is brought near the stack case, the positioning holes automatically locate and align with the positioning pins without requiring external guidance or complex procedures. The structure itself provides the alignment function, making the operation self-service and easily performable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11404713B2Fuel cell stack and method of assembling the fuel cell stack

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A fuel cell stack includes a cell stack body, a stack case containing the cell stack body, and an end plate fixed to an end of the stack case. At least two recesses are provided at the end of the stack case, each of the recesses holding one end of each of positioning pins which position the stack case and the end plate. At least two positioning holes, into which the positioning pins are inserted, are provided in the end plate correspondingly to the at least two recesses.