Fuel Cell Support Frame Protecting Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In single fuel cells, when the support frame is spaced from the gas diffusion layer due to dimensional or positional errors, the exposed ends of the support frame can degrade from strongly acidic water accumulation, leading to potential strength loss and structural issues.
Innovation Solution
A protecting layer is formed over the exposed ends of the support frame body, using an adhesive layer that covers the interior portion of the support frame, preventing exposure to acidic water and maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the support frame is spaced from the gas diffusion layer to absorb dimensional and positional errors, then manufacturing precision tolerance is improved, but the support frame body is exposed to strongly acidic water accumulation causing degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adhesive layer as an intermediary substance between the support frame and the gas diffusion layer. This adhesive layer fills the gap created by spacing the support frame from the gas diffusion layer, preventing strongly acidic water from reaching the support frame body while still allowing the gap to absorb dimensional and positional errors. The adhesive acts as a mediator that protects the support frame from harmful substances while maintaining the beneficial spacing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support frame is fixed adjacent to the gas diffusion layer, then structural stability is improved, but dimensional errors and positional deviations cause overlap and adhesive protrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-establishing a gap between the support frame and the gas diffusion layer before assembly. This gap acts as a cushion that absorbs dimensional errors and positional deviations that may occur during manufacturing and assembly. By anticipating potential misalignments and incorporating a buffer zone in advance, the design prevents overlap and adhesive protrusion issues without compromising structural stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support frame is spaced from the gas diffusion layer, then tolerance for manufacturing errors is improved, but water accumulation in the gap causes hydrolysis of the resin
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer serves as a protective intermediary that fills the gap between the support frame and the gas diffusion layer. It prevents strongly acidic water from contacting the resin-based support frame body while allowing the gap to remain open for absorbing manufacturing errors and positional deviations. The adhesive mediates between the need for error absorption and the need to prevent harmful substance exposure.
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
The protecting layer effectively shields the support frame from acidic degradation, ensuring its strength and longevity even when spaced from the gas diffusion layer, thus preventing hydrolysis and maintaining the fuel cell's performance.
Implementation Method 1
degradation of the support frame body may occur, such as a decrease in strength due to hydrolysis of part of the support frame body by the generated water
Data Source
AI summary
A single fuel cell includes: a membrane electrode assembly; gas diffusion layers 3c and 3a that placed on both side surfaces of the membrane electrode assembly, respectively so that an outer peripheral edge portion remains in one side surface of the membrane electrode assembly; an adhesive layer formed to cover the outer peripheral edge portion; and a support frame fixed on the adhesive layer. The support frame includes: a support frame body made of resin; and coating layers formed to cover both side surfaces of the support frame body, respectively. The support frame is fixed on the adhesive layer so that the support frame is spaced from the gas diffusion layer on the one side surface of the membrane electrode assembly, and the single fuel cell further includes a protecting layer formed to cover an end of the interior portion of the support frame body.