Hydrogen Work Machine Layout for Leak Venting Above Fuel Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work machines with hydrogen-based energy generation systems face challenges in effectively suppressing the retention of hydrogen leaks, particularly in the vicinity of energy generation devices like fuel cells, which can lead to safety and operational issues.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a support structure with an intervening portion that includes a guide portion to direct hydrogen leaks from below the hydrogen tank to above, combined with a ventilation system and hydrogen sensors to quickly detect and discharge any leaked hydrogen, ensuring it does not accumulate near sensitive electronic and energy generation components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If hydrogen storage and energy generation systems are installed in work machines, then energy supply capability is improved, but hydrogen leakage and retention risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy supply capabilityVSAvoidhydrogen leakage and retention risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A guide portion is introduced as an intermediary structure between the hydrogen tank and the energy generation device. This guide portion actively directs leaked hydrogen away from the energy generation device, preventing hydrogen retention in critical areas while maintaining the hydrogen supply system's functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide portion is designed to preemptively counteract hydrogen leakage by actively directing it away from sensitive components before accumulation can occur. This preliminary protective action prevents the harmful effect of hydrogen retention rather than responding after leakage occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Volume of moving object

If the hydrogen tank is disposed above the energy generation device, then space utilization is improved, but hydrogen leakage toward the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidhydrogen leakage toward device

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The guide portion serves as a mediating structure that reconciles the spatial arrangement with safety requirements. It allows the hydrogen tank to be positioned above the energy generation device for efficient space utilization while simultaneously directing leaked hydrogen away from the device through its guiding function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a support structure is added with guide portions, then hydrogen leakage control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen leakage controlVSAvoidsupport structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the hydrogen tank and simultaneously incorporates guide portions for hydrogen leakage control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated leakage control components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively prevents hydrogen retention, enhancing safety by quickly guiding and discharging leaks, thereby reducing the risk of hydrogen accumulation and potential damage to the machine's components.

Implementation Method 1

the guide portion guides the hydrogen from a position below the intervening portion to a position above the intervening portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP4707472A1Work machine

Publication Date: 2026.03.11 KOBELCO CONSTR MASCH CO LTD

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AI summary

A work machine (100) comprises: a hydrogen tank (31) that stores hydrogen; an energy generation device (32) that is disposed below the hydrogen tank (31) and generates energy by using the hydrogen as an energy source; a hydrogen pipe (41) that connects the hydrogen tank (31) and the energy generation device (32); and a support structure (60) that supports at least one of the hydrogen tank (31) and the energy generation device (32). The support structure (60) includes an intervening portion (63, 206, 208, 306, 802) positioned between the hydrogen tank (31) and the energy generation device (32), and the intervening portion has a guide portion (63C, 210A, 210B, 308, 804) that guides the hydrogen from a position below the intervening portion to a position above the intervening portion.