Fuel Cell Stack Fastening Structure with Adjustable Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell stack fastening structures lack the ability to accurately measure and adjust the fastening force, leading to potential damage from excessive force or insufficient air tightness and electrical connection due to dimensional deviations and long-term force reduction, which requires disassembly or replacement of components.
Innovation Solution
A stack fastening structure that includes a fastening mechanism with an end plate and a fastening band, featuring an insertion body with an inclined surface and a transfer device with an elastic body to adjust and measure the fastening force by varying the insertion body's position along the inclined surface, allowing precise control of the fastening force through the elastic body's length change.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed fastening band is used to fasten the fuel cell stack, then the fastening structure is simple, but the fastening force cannot be adjusted or measured, and dimensional deviations cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening band is changed from a fixed structure to an adjustable dynamic structure that can vary its length and fastening force. The insertion body can be positioned at different locations along the fastening band, allowing the fastening force to be adjusted dynamically to compensate for dimensional deviations and maintain optimal fastening throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical measurement system replaces the simple fixed band with a measurement-capable structure. The elastic body and insertion body work together to provide both measurement of fastening force and adjustment capability, substituting the purely mechanical fixed band with a system that incorporates sensing and control functions.
2Reliability
If the fastening force is increased to ensure air tightness and electrical connection, then connection reliability improves, but damage may occur to the fuel cell components
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic body serves as a feedback mechanism that measures the actual fastening force applied to the fuel cell stack. By monitoring the compression of the elastic body, the system provides information about the fastening force level, enabling adjustment to the optimal force that ensures air tightness and electrical connection without exceeding damage thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening force parameter can be precisely controlled and adjusted by changing the position of the insertion body along the fastening band. This allows the fastening force to be optimized for each specific application, ensuring sufficient force for sealing and electrical connection while preventing excessive force that could damage delicate fuel cell components.
3Measurement precision
If an elastic body with low modulus of elasticity is used to measure fastening force, then measurement sensitivity improves, but the fastening mechanism length becomes too large for mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic body is nested within the existing fastening mechanism structure rather than being an external additive component. The insertion body is positioned within the fastening band assembly, allowing the measurement function to be integrated into the compact existing structure without significantly increasing the overall length of the fastening mechanism.
4Length of stationary object
If an elastic body with high modulus of elasticity is used to reduce mechanism length, then mounting becomes easier, but the length change for measurement becomes too small to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion body acts as an intermediary that amplifies the measurement signal. By positioning the insertion body at specific locations and using its interaction with the elastic body, small length changes in the elastic body are converted into more measurable displacements or forces, enabling detection of subtle fastening force variations while maintaining a compact mechanism length.
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
Enables accurate measurement and adjustment of the fastening force, compensating for dimensional deviations and long-term force reduction without disassembly, ensuring optimal air tightness and electrical connection while minimizing processing errors and friction.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body (115) that elastically supports the insertion body (200)
Implementation Method 2
an inclined surface (111) and an insertion body (200) moving along the inclined surface
Data Source
AI summary
A stack fastening structure of a fuel cell is provided and includes a fastening mechanism that is mounted at an outside of a plurality of stacked fuel cells to generate a force pressing against the plurality of stacked fuel cells. In addition, an insertion body is mounted within the fastening mechanism to adjust the force pressing against the plurality of fuel cells. Accordingly, the fastening force is more accurately adjusted using the insertion body and the external force applied to the insertion body is measured to calculate the fastening force.