Fuel Cell Assembly Tensile Load Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cell assembly, the application of tensile load after coupling members and end plates are fixed together can cause deformation and a reduction in compressive load, leading to issues like fuel gas leakage and oxidation gas flow.
Innovation Solution
Applying a tensile load to the coupling member before fixing it to the second end plate, using a reaction force from the compressive load on the cell stack, to prevent deformation and maintain the compressive load on the fuel cell stack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the other end plate is fixed to the tension plates after the compressive load is applied, then the assembly process is completed, but the tension plates and end plates may be extended and deformed causing the cell stack to loosen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a preliminary tensile load to the coupling member before fixing the second end plate to it. This preliminary action pre-stresses the coupling member and end plates in tension, counteracting the subsequent compressive load on the cell stack and preventing deformation that would occur if fixation happened after compression. The tensile load is applied through a tensile load application device that temporarily attaches to the coupling member's second end portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a tensile load to the coupling member before fixation to create a preliminary anti-action that counteracts the harmful effect of subsequent compression-induced deformation. By pre-applying tension to the coupling member and end plates, the system prepares these components to resist the compressive forces that will be applied to the cell stack, preventing the loosening and deformation that would otherwise occur.
2Productivity
If the tension plates and end plates are fixed together after compression, then assembly is complete, but deformation occurs leading to fuel gas leakage and oxidation gas flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a preliminary tensile load to the coupling member before fixing the second end plate, which pre-stresses the coupling member and end plates to maintain their dimensional stability. This preliminary action ensures that when the cell stack is compressed and fuel/oxidation gases are introduced, the coupling members and end plates remain dimensionally stable and prevent gas leakage, thereby ensuring sealing performance before assembly completion.
3Manufacturing precision
If a tensile load is applied to the coupling member before fixation, then deformation is suppressed, but additional equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service mechanism where the compressive load application device serves a dual function: it applies the necessary compressive load to the cell stack and simultaneously generates the reaction force that applies the tensile load to the coupling member. This eliminates the need for a separate tensile load application device, as the system uses its own operational forces to achieve the preliminary tensile stressing of the coupling members, thereby maintaining dimensional stability without significantly increasing device 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
This method effectively suppresses deformation of coupling and end plates, maintaining the compressive load on the fuel cell stack, reducing leakage and oxidation gas flow, and allowing for cost-effective material selection.
Implementation Method 1
The tensile load application device applies the tensile load to the coupling member by using a reaction force generated in response to the compressive load applied to the cell stack by the compressive load application device
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell assembling apparatus includes: a tensile load application device that pulls a coupling plate to apply a tensile load to the coupling plate of which a first end portion is fixed to a first end plate, the tensile load application device being temporarily fixed to a second end portion of the coupling plate; a compressive load application device that applies a compressive load to a cell stack of a fuel cell; and a fixing device that fixes the second end portion of the coupling plate to which the tensile load is applied, and a second end plate to each other. The tensile load application device applies the tensile load to the coupling plate by using a reaction force generated in response to the compressive load applied to the cell stack by the compressive load application device.