Fuel Cell Power Distribution Unit Vibration Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle power units, particularly those with fuel cell stacks, face challenges in reducing front end shake and improving driving comfort due to vibrations and weight distribution issues.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution unit with a fuel cell stack directly mounted to the vehicle frame and an electric traction system (ETS) that is soft-mounted using elastomeric pads to dampen vibrations, allowing for indirect connection to the vehicle frame and reducing movement and vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the fuel cell stack is directly mounted to the vehicle frame, then the structural stiffness and weight distribution are improved, but the vibrations and front end shake are transmitted directly to the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into two distinct types: rigid mounts for the fuel cell stack to frame connection, and soft mounts with elastomeric pads for the ETS to frame connection. This segmentation allows each component to be mounted according to its specific requirements - the fuel cell stack benefits from rigid support while the ETS is isolated from vibrations
Solution Approach 2:
Elastomeric pads are introduced as intermediary elements between the ETS and the vehicle frame. These pads act as vibration isolators, absorbing and dampening vibrations before they can be transmitted to the frame and fuel cell stack, thereby reducing front end shake while maintaining the structural connection
2Stability of the object's composition
If the electric traction system is rigidly connected to the vehicle frame, then the structural stability is improved, but the vibrations are amplified and driving comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Elastomeric pads serve as intermediary vibration-dampening elements between the ETS and the vehicle frame, allowing the ETS to be securely mounted while isolating it from frame vibrations and preventing vibration amplification
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system changes the mechanical parameters of the ETS connection by using compliant elastomeric materials with specific damping characteristics. This transforms the rigid connection into a compliant one that filters vibrations while maintaining structural stability
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 minimizes front end shake, enhances driving comfort, and improves the stiffness of the vehicle frame by reducing the transfer of vibrations and loads, while maintaining flexibility in mounting and alignment.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric pad disposed between a housing of the traction system and a mount or the vehicle frame. The pad may provide a so-called 'soft mount' of the traction system to the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A power distribution unit for a vehicle includes a fuel cell stack, a bracket connected to the fuel cell stack and including at least one mount adapted to be connected directly to a vehicle to directly interconnect the fuel cell stack to the vehicle, a connection feature, and a traction system communicated with the fuel cell stack and carried by at least one of the fuel cell stack and the bracket with the connection feature disposed between the traction system and said at least one of the fuel cell stack and the bracket so that the traction system is indirectly connected to the vehicle. In one implementation, the connection feature includes an elastomeric pad disposed between a housing of the traction system and a mount or the vehicle frame. The pad provides a so-called “soft mount” of the traction system to the vehicle.