Fuel Cell Stack Mounting Structure with Movable End Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell stack mounting structures restrict the degree of freedom to change dimensions in the longitudinal direction when the stack length changes, leading to reduced surface pressure and fastening force, which affects the stack's performance and airtightness.
Innovation Solution
A mounting structure with a first completely fixing mechanism for one end plate and a second movable mechanism for the other end plate, allowing translation in the longitudinal direction while restricting movement in perpendicular directions, using a linear ball bush to guide the supporting shaft and maintain surface pressure and fastening force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a completely fixing mechanism is used for both end plates, then the stack is securely mounted, but the stack length cannot be adjusted when cells are added or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is segmented into two distinct mechanisms: a first mounting mechanism with a completely fixing mechanism for one end plate, and a second mounting mechanism with a movable mechanism for the other end plate. This segmentation allows one end to provide stable support while the other end accommodates length adjustments, resolving the contradiction between security and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second mounting mechanism incorporates a movable mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the end plate position along the longitudinal direction. This dynamic capability enables the stack length to be adjusted when cells are added or removed, while the first mounting mechanism maintains a fixed position for stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stack length changes, then adaptability improves, but surface pressure and fastening force decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The movable mechanism in the second mounting mechanism is designed to maintain appropriate surface pressure and fastening force even when the stack length changes. The mechanism dynamically adjusts to accommodate length variations while preserving the necessary compressive force on the stack, preventing degradation of electrical contact and sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure allows changes in the positional parameter of the end plate while maintaining the force parameter within an appropriate range. The movable mechanism enables the end plate to shift position to accommodate stack length changes while the spring or elastic element maintains the required compression force.
3Stability of the object's composition
If both end plates are completely fixed, then structural stability is maintained, but degree of freedom to change dimensions is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The structural stability function is segmented between the two mounting mechanisms: the first mounting mechanism with the completely fixing mechanism provides the primary stable anchor point, while the second mounting mechanism with the movable mechanism provides the dimensional adjustment capability. This segmentation allows the system to maintain overall stability while permitting controlled dimensional changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a completely static structure to a semi-dynamic structure where one end plate is fixed and the other can move along the longitudinal direction. This partial dynamic capability allows the stack length to be adjusted while the fixed end plate maintains structural stability and proper alignment.
4Length of moving object
If a movable mechanism is added for one end plate, then dimensional freedom is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable mechanism is applied locally only to the second mounting mechanism for one end plate, while the first mounting mechanism remains a simple completely fixing mechanism. This localized application of complexity minimizes the overall device complexity increase while achieving the desired longitudinal dimension freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable mechanism incorporates a spring or elastic element that provides automatic adjustment capability without requiring complex control systems. The spring-based mechanism allows the end plate to move freely in the longitudinal direction while automatically maintaining appropriate contact force, achieving dimensional freedom with minimal added complexity.
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 the fuel cell stack to be mounted in an enclosure or frame without structural modification, actively responding to changes in stack length and maintaining stable surface pressure and fastening force, thus improving the stack's performance and airtightness.
Implementation Method 1
a linear ball bush for guiding the supporting shaft in a longitudinal direction of the stack
Data Source
AI summary
A structure for mounting a fuel cell stack in an enclosure or a frame includes a first mounting mechanism for fastening and mounting a first mounting part located at a first side of the fuel cell stack in a longitudinal direction of the stack, which is a cell stacking direction, to the enclosure or the frame in a completely fixing fashion, and a second mounting mechanism for mounting a second mounting part located at a second side of the fuel cell stack in the longitudinal direction of the stack to the enclosure or the frame in a state of being movable in the longitudinal direction of the stack.