Joined Base Material Structure for Easy Membrane Peeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the manufacturing of catalyst-coated membranes, the peeling process between the support film and the electrolyte membrane is hindered by adhesive layers of tapes inadvertently contacting each other, leading to difficulties in separating these components.
Innovation Solution
A connecting member with varying adhesive powers is used, featuring a third part with reduced adhesive strength between the end portions of the base materials, and an anti-adhesive film to prevent direct adhesion, facilitating easy peeling of the support film from the electrolyte membrane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If tapes with adhesive layers are used to connect base materials, then the base materials are securely connected, but the adhesive layers may contact each other and prevent proper peeling
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member is divided into three distinct parts: a first part with strong adhesive for securing connection, a second part with strong adhesive for securing connection, and a third part with reduced adhesive power located between them. This segmentation allows different regions of the connecting member to serve different functions - strong connection at the ends while enabling easy peeling in the middle region where the adhesive layers would otherwise contact each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member exhibits non-uniform adhesive properties across its structure. The first and second parts have high adhesive power to ensure secure connection of base materials, while the third part located between them has deliberately reduced adhesive power. This local differentiation in adhesive quality allows the connecting member to simultaneously provide strong connection where needed and facilitate easy peeling where adhesive layers might contact.
2Productivity
If the electrolyte membrane is stretched over the apparatus to start manufacture, then the coating process can begin, but coating cannot be performed on parts from the coating unit to the take-up roller causing material loss
Solution Approach 1:
A dummy base material consisting of a first layer and second layer is introduced as an intermediary element. The first layer is connected to the support film and the second layer to the electrolyte membrane. This dummy base material serves as a mediator that allows the electrolyte membrane to be properly positioned and coated, preventing the material loss that would otherwise occur when stretching the electrolyte membrane directly over the apparatus.
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 approach allows for successful peeling of the support film from the electrolyte membrane without adhesion issues, reducing material loss and ensuring efficient coating application.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting member includes a first part adhering to the first base material, a second part adhering to the second base material, and a third part located between the first part and the second part
Data Source
AI summary
A joined base material includes a real base material having an elongated strip shape including a support film and an electrolyte membrane laminated on each other, a dummy base material having an elongated strip shape including a first layer and a second layer laminated on each other, and a connecting member connecting the real base material and the dummy base material to each other. The connecting member includes a first part that adheres to the real base material, a second part that adheres to the dummy base material, and a third part located between the first part and the second part and overlaid on an end portion of the real base material and an end portion of the dummy base material. Adhesive power in the third part is smaller than adhesive power in the first part and adhesive power in the second part.