Fuel Cell Stack Terminal Plate Reinforcement Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell stacks face challenges in weight reduction while maintaining structural rigidity, particularly with the use of resin end plates instead of metal end plates, which require innovative reinforcement methods to enhance mechanical stability.
Innovation Solution
The fuel cell stack incorporates reinforcement ribs on terminal and resin end plates, with the ribs formed in grid-like patterns and varying heights to improve rigidity and reduce weight, and the terminal plates are fitted into recessed portions of the resin end plates for enhanced structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If resin end plates are used instead of metal end plates, then weight is reduced, but structural rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate is constructed as a composite structure combining resin material with reinforcement ribs made of rigid material (such as metal or high-strength polymer). This composite approach allows the base material to be lightweight resin while the reinforcement ribs provide the necessary structural rigidity, thus resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and strength maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The end plate is segmented into different functional regions: the main body made of lightweight resin and the reinforcement ribs providing structural support. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function - the resin body for weight reduction and the ribs for rigidity - thereby resolving the technical contradiction
2Strength
If reinforcement ribs are added to terminal plates, then structural rigidity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement ribs are integrated directly into the terminal plate structure rather than being separate components. This merging of functions (structural support and terminal plate functionality) into a single integrated component reduces assembly steps and overall device complexity while still providing the necessary rigidity enhancement
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell stack includes a stacked body, a first terminal plate, a second terminal plate, a first resin end plate, and a second resin end plate. The stacked body has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in a stacking direction. The first terminal plate is provided on the first end of the stacked body in the stacking direction to have a first surface substantially parallel to surfaces of first and second electrodes. The first terminal plate includes a first reinforcement rib provided in the first surface. The second terminal plate is provided on the second end of the stacked body in the stacking direction to have a second surface substantially parallel to the surfaces of the first and second electrodes. The second terminal plate includes a second reinforcement rib provided in the second surface.