Integrated Fuel Cell Support Layout for Compact Aircraft Assembly

The patent combines multiple fuel cells and their associated fluid circuits into a single integrated module. The module includes a common support structure that houses multiple feeders and collectors, allowing several fuel cells to be connected to the aircraft's primary structure through a reduced number of attachment points while maintaining individual fluid circuit functionality.

The patent implements a nested arrangement where fluid circuits are routed through the internal structure of the module. Feeders and collectors are positioned within the module's housing, and fluid channels are integrated into the support structure, allowing multiple circuit elements to occupy the same spatial envelope without increasing the overall module volume.

The patent merges multiple fluid circuit connections into a consolidated interface between the module and the aircraft structure. By integrating multiple feeders and collectors within the module and providing a unified connection point, the number of external connections is reduced, thereby decreasing the overall risk of leakage while maintaining power generation from multiple fuel cells.

The patent segments the module into distinct components: a casing, a support structure, feeders, and collectors. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard fabrication processes, and then assembled together. The feeders and collectors are positioned between the casing and fuel cells in the final assembly, achieving compactness without requiring complex integrated manufacturing.