Integral Separator Plate Fixing Elements for Electrochemical Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochemical systems face challenges in achieving precise and cost-effective positioning of separator plates, which are often material-, labor-, and cost-intensive due to the need for separate fixing elements that require assembly tolerances.

Innovation Solution

The electrochemical system incorporates integral fixing elements on each separator plate that project beyond the plate plane, forming a form-fit connection with corresponding elements on adjacent plates, eliminating the need for separate fixing elements and allowing for precise alignment without assembly tolerances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If separate fixing elements are used to position separator plates, then the positioning precision can be improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precision of separator platesVSAvoidcomplexity of fixing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing elements are integrated directly into the separator plates as integral structures, merging the separator plate and fixing elements into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate fixing elements and their associated assembly operations, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning precision through the form-fit connection between adjacent separator plates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If separate fixing elements are used to position separator plates, then the positioning precision can be improved, but the manufacturing cost and labor intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precision of separator platesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and labor intensity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the fixing elements directly into the separator plates during the plate manufacturing process, the patent eliminates the need for separate production and assembly operations for fixing elements. This reduces manufacturing steps, labor intensity, and overall production cost while achieving precise positioning through the form-fit connection design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing elements are pre-formed as integral parts of the separator plates during plate manufacturing, before assembly. This preliminary formation of fixing structures eliminates the need for subsequent assembly operations, reducing labor intensity and manufacturing cost while ensuring precise positioning from the outset

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If integral fixing elements are used on separator plates, then the device complexity is reduced, but achieving sufficient positioning precision becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of fixing structureVSAvoidpositioning precision of separator plates

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The integral fixing elements on adjacent separator plates automatically engage with each other through a form-fit connection when the plates are stacked. This self-aligning mechanism ensures precise positioning without requiring additional adjustment operations or complex fixing structures, achieving high positioning precision while maintaining device simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing elements are designed as integral extensions of the separator plate structure, creating a composite functional structure where the separator plate and fixing element form a unified component. This integration simplifies the overall device while the precise geometric design of the fixing elements ensures accurate positioning through form-fit engagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS11581564B2Electrochemical system

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 REINZ DICHTUNGS G M B H

AI summary

An electrochemical system having two metallic separator plates, an electrochemical cell arranged between the separator plates and sealed by at least one sealing element, and fixing elements for fixing the separator plates. The fixing elements comprise at least two fixing elements which are designed as integral with the first or with the second separator plate, which differ from the at least one sealing element, are spaced apart from the at least one sealing element parallel to the plate planes of the separator plates, and project at least in sections beyond the plate planes of the separator plates in a stacking direction. The first fixing element is thereby supported on the second fixing element in such a way that the second fixing element prevents a displacement of the first separator plate relative to the second separator plate.