Laser Welding Jig for Fuel Cell Separator Through-Holes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for laser welding the periphery of through-holes in separators for fuel battery cells require a large number of steps and complex work, making them inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A laser welding jig device and method that uses a base jig, main jig, and sub-jig with an annular light guiding path to position and clamp workpieces, allowing seamless laser welding of the periphery with a reduced number of steps and simplified processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the periphery of through-holes is laser-welded by performing welding steps in two parts and replacing jig members, then the closed circuit shape is maintained, but the number of steps increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosed circuit shape maintenanceVSAvoidnumber of welding steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The welding jig is segmented into a base jig and a removable jig member that can be selectively positioned. The removable jig member has an opening that defines a light guiding path, allowing the laser beam to irradiate the periphery of through-holes in a single continuous operation without requiring multiple welding steps or jig replacements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable jig member serves multiple functions: it positions the workpiece, defines the laser welding path through its opening, and maintains the closed circuit shape. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized jig members and welding steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If the periphery of through-holes is laser-welded by replacing first and second jig members, then welding can be performed from different directions, but the work becomes complex and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewelding position accuracyVSAvoidnumber of jig members

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using multiple fixed jig members that require replacement, the invention uses a single removable jig member that can be positioned and fixed to the base jig. This inverts the approach from multiple permanent fixtures to one adaptable fixture, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The removable jig member acts as an intermediary between the base jig and the workpiece. It provides the necessary positioning and light guiding path definition without requiring multiple complex jig members, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining welding precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple jig members are used for clamping and positioning, then workpiece positioning is achieved, but the number of components increases and ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece positioningVSAvoidsimplicity of welding process

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning and clamping functions are merged into a single removable jig member that attaches to the base jig. This consolidation reduces the number of components and simplifies the operation, as the operator only needs to handle one removable jig member rather than multiple separate fixtures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables seamless laser welding of the periphery of through-holes in fuel battery cell separators with a simplified process, reducing the complexity and number of steps required.

Implementation Method 1

a laser beam LB is irradiated from a laser irradiating device 31, and only the half of the periphery of the through-hole 3 is laser-welded

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser beam welding: Laser Beam Welding

Data Source

PatentUS11389901B2Laser welding method and laser welding jig device

Publication Date: 2022.07.19 NOK CORP

AI summary

A pair of separators is overlapped and placed on a base jig and thereby positioned with each other. Respective through-holes thereof are positioned to the position of a pin hole provided in the base jig. When a main jig is pressed against the base jig to clamp the pair of separators, and a pin of a sub-jig is inserted into the pin hole to clamp the pair of separators by a head, an annular light guiding path is formed by a gap generated between an opening provided in the main jig and the head of the sub-jig, and hence a laser welding position which surrounds the through-holes is exposed. The surrounding of each through-hole is seamlessly laser-welded when the laser welding position is irradiated with a laser beam.