Ion Filter Life Perception Device for Fuel Cell Vehicles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the replacement timing of ion filter cartridges in fuel cell vehicles are costly and unreliable, relying on electric conductivity sensors and CAN communication, which increase complexity and economic burdens.

Innovation Solution

An ion filter life perception device that uses a body part with a movable checker and elastic member to indicate the need for replacement based on the volume of ion resin, eliminating the need for electric conductivity sensors and electronic control systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electric conductivity sensors and CAN communication are used to determine replacement timing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereplacement timing detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential function of detecting ion filter degradation by removing complex electronic sensors and communication systems. Instead, it uses a simple mechanical volume detection mechanism that directly observes the physical state of ion resin through a transparent window, eliminating unnecessary electronic components while retaining the core detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces expensive, complex electronic sensors with a simple, inexpensive mechanical indication system. The transparent window and checker design creates a low-cost solution that provides sufficient detection capability without requiring expensive electronic components, communication modules, or complex processing systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Measurement precision

If electric conductivity sensors and CAN communication are used, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereplacement timing detection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a inexpensive mechanical indication system consisting of a transparent window, checker, and elastic member. This replaces expensive electronic sensors and communication systems, dramatically reducing manufacturing costs while providing adequate detection functionality for determining when ion filter replacement is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The ion resin itself serves as the indicator through its volume change. The resin's physical degradation directly moves the checker visible through the transparent window, eliminating the need for separate sensing, signaling, and processing systems. The system uses the object's own physical properties for detection, avoiding additional costly components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a mechanical volume-based indication system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidreplacement timing detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses visual color or position changes of the checker through the transparent window to indicate ion resin volume changes. This visual indication method provides sufficient precision for replacement timing detection without requiring complex electronic measurement systems, achieving an optimal balance between simplicity and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member continuously pushes the checker to respond immediately to ion resin volume changes. This preliminary mechanical action ensures the indicator is always in the correct position to reflect the current state of the ion resin, providing accurate real-time detection without requiring complex electronic processing or calibration systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies the maintenance process by allowing real-time monitoring of ion filter cartridge life, and improves vehicle maintenance efficiency without the need for expensive sensors or complex electronic systems.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member disposed between one side (e.g., a first side) end in the body part and the checker to push the checker from one side to the other side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9960436B2Ion filter life perception device for fuel cell vehicle

Publication Date: 2018.05.01 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An ion filter life perception device for a fuel cell vehicle is provided to detect a replacement life of a fuel cell ion filter cartridge. The device includes a body part that is installed within an ion filter and has an ion resin filled therein. A checker is disposed within the body part and has a varying position based on a volume of the ion resin. In addition, an elastic member is disposed between a first side end in the body part and the checker to push the checker within the body part by elasticity.