Fuel Cell Vehicle Vertical Stack Collision Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cell vehicles, the fuel cell stack and tank are prone to collision during accidents, leading to potential damage, as they are arranged to overlap when viewed in the horizontal direction, necessitating a technique to prevent such collisions.
Innovation Solution
The fuel cell module is positioned vertically above the tank in the fuel cell vehicle, with a supporting frame and end plate configurations that include recesses to prevent overlap, ensuring the fuel cell module does not collide with the tank even when moving due to inertia forces during collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the fuel cell stack and tank are arranged to overlap when viewed in the horizontal direction, then the vehicle structure is compact and space is efficiently utilized, but the fuel cell module and tank are prone to collision during accidents causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal overlapping arrangement to vertical stacking arrangement, where the fuel cell module is positioned above the tank in the vertical direction. This dimensional change eliminates horizontal collision risk while maintaining compact space utilization through vertical integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a support structure with a through-hole that acts as an intermediary element. The through-hole allows the fuel cell module to be mounted above the tank while providing structural support and maintaining the vertical separation that prevents collision during accidents.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the fuel cell module is positioned vertically above the tank, then collision risk is reduced, but the vehicle length increases due to the extended arrangement in the vehicle longitudinal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by positioning the fuel cell module vertically above the tank, with the support structure's through-hole allowing the fuel cell module to be mounted in the space above the tank. This nested vertical arrangement prevents collision while minimizing the extension in the vehicle longitudinal direction.
3Volume of moving object
If the fuel cell module and tank are arranged to overlap horizontally, then the vehicle can be downsized, but the mounting component may be destroyed in collision causing the fuel cell stack to move and potentially damage the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for fragile horizontal mounting components by transitioning to vertical arrangement. The fuel cell module is mounted above the tank using a support structure with a through-hole, creating vertical separation that prevents collision-induced damage to mounting components while maintaining compact vehicle size.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell vehicle comprises a fuel cell module configured to include a fuel cell stack, a tank configured to store a gas that is supplied to the fuel cell stack, a fuel cell placement chamber configured to place the fuel cell module therein and a tank placement chamber formed on a rear side of the fuel cell placement chamber in a vehicle longitudinal direction of the fuel cell vehicle under a floor of the fuel cell vehicle and configured to place the tank therein. The fuel cell module is placed vertically above the tank such as not to overlap with the tank when being viewed in the vehicle longitudinal direction.