Fuel Cell Humidifier Shell Reinforcing Structure

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing shell reinforcing structures for fuel cell humidifiers require large space and are unable to bear significant pressure, posing safety hazards due to the use of reinforcing ribs that occupy space and are not effective under external forces.

Innovation Solution

A shell reinforcing structure comprising a main body shell, fixed plates, grating mechanisms, and membrane tubes that enhance pressure resistance without the need for external reinforcing ribs, allowing the shell to be fixed and maintained conveniently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If reinforcing ribs are arranged on the surface of the shell, then the pressure resistance of the shell is improved, but the space occupied by the humidifier is greatly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure resistanceVSAvoidspace occupied
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by placing the grating mechanism inside the hollow layer of the shell structure. The grating mechanism comprises gratings and membrane tubes that are nested within the existing shell volume, eliminating the need for external reinforcing ribs. This internal nesting provides pressure resistance while maintaining compact space occupation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses membrane tubes as part of the grating mechanism to provide pressure resistance. These flexible membrane structures can withstand pressure while occupying minimal space, replacing the need for rigid external reinforcing ribs that would consume significant volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Strength

If reinforcing ribs are arranged on the surface of the shell, then the pressure resistance of the shell is improved, but the device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure resistanceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the reinforcing function with the existing shell structure by integrating the grating mechanism into the hollow layer. Instead of adding separate external reinforcing ribs, the pressure resistance function is combined with the internal shell structure, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The grating mechanism with membrane tubes provides self-reinforcing capabilities within the shell structure. The membrane tubes can expand and contract with pressure changes, providing automatic pressure resistance without requiring complex external support structures or additional reinforcement components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If reinforcing ribs are arranged on the surface of the shell, then the pressure resistance of the shell is improved, but the fuel cell humidifier and fuel cell are damaged to cause potential safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure resistanceVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane tubes in the grating mechanism provide flexible pressure resistance that can adapt to external forces without causing damage. These flexible structures absorb and distribute pressure loads evenly, preventing the stress concentrations that could lead to shell or fuel cell damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The grating mechanism with membrane tubes acts as a cushioning structure that absorbs external pressure before it can reach the main shell and fuel cell components. This pre-cushioning effect protects the fuel cell from damage under external forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11677084B1Shell reinforcing structure for fuel cell humidifier
Publication Date: 2023.06.13 SHENZHEN EXTENDER CO LTD
  • US11677084B1 patent drawing
  • US11677084B1 patent drawing
  • US11677084B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A shell reinforcing structure for a fuel cell humidifier comprises a main body shell, fixed plates and grating mechanisms, wherein the side edges of the main body shell are fixedly connected with the fixed plates, the side edge of the fixed plate is provided with an end cover, the upper part of the end cover on the left side is fixedly connected with a dry air inlet tube, the left side of the upper part of the main body shell is fixedly connected with a moisture outlet tube, the right side of the upper part of the main body shell is fixedly connected with a moisture inlet tube, the upper end of the end cover on the right side is fixedly connected with a dry air outlet tube, fixed holes are formed in the side edge surface of the fixed plate.