Fuel Cell Assembly Stacked Frame Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cell vehicles, the existing methods for mounting fuel cell units in limited spaces often require increased vehicle dimensions to accommodate clearance and maintenance, and there is a need for efficient use of space while minimizing interference between units and surrounding structures.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell assembly with a support frame that positions fuel cell units in two stages, with the second unit above the first, allowing for offset placement and reduced frame strength to minimize weight and interference, enabling compact mounting and efficient use of space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple fuel cell units are disposed side by side in the width direction, then the power output is increased, but the vehicle width dimension needs to be increased to accommodate clearance for displacement and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional side-by-side arrangement in the width direction to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement in the height direction. Multiple fuel cell units are disposed at different height levels, allowing power output to be increased without increasing vehicle width, as the units occupy vertical space rather than horizontal space
2Ease of operation
If sufficient clearance is provided around each fuel cell unit to allow displacement and facilitate maintenance, then the ease of operation and maintenance are improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the clearance requirement issue by stacking fuel cell units vertically at different height levels. This three-dimensional arrangement provides natural spatial separation and clearance around each unit without requiring excessive horizontal space, allowing maintenance access while maintaining a compact overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell system is segmented into multiple independent units disposed at different positions and heights. Each unit can be independently accessed, maintained, and replaced, simplifying maintenance operations while reducing the complexity of providing clearance for the entire system
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the second frame portion is positioned away from the mounting portion, then the impact transmission during collision is reduced, but the structural strength and stability are weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the first frame portion as an intermediary structural element between the mounting portion and the second frame portion. This intermediate frame absorbs and distributes collision impacts, reducing direct transmission to the second frame while maintaining overall structural strength through the distributed frame architecture
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
This configuration allows for compact integration of multiple fuel cell units, reduces vehicle size, facilitates maintenance, and optimizes space usage by providing clearance and allowing for the installation of auxiliary machines, while minimizing the transmission of impact during collisions.
Implementation Method 1
a mounting portion including an elastic buffer member that absorbs vibrations and impacts transmitted from a vehicle body by elastic deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell assembly is mounted on a vehicle via a mounting portion. The fuel cell assembly includes a first fuel cell unit, a first frame portion on which the first fuel cell unit is mounted and fixed, a second fuel cell unit, a second frame portion on which the second fuel cell unit is mounted and fixed, and a connecting portion that connects the first frame portion and the second frame portion such that the second fuel cell unit is located above the first fuel cell unit.