Membrane-Electrode Gasket Assembly with Continuous Inline Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing membrane-electrode gasket assemblies in fuel cells require separate operations for applying catalyst layers and joining sub-gaskets, leading to discontinuity in the process and potential damage to the membrane-electrode joined body, which deteriorates the overall quality.
Innovation Solution
A continuous manufacturing process is implemented using a device with sub-assemblies that integrate the application of electrode catalysts to a membrane and the joining of a gasket, ensuring continuous processing and minimizing damage by integrating the operations of manufacturing a membrane-electrode joined body and attaching a gasket within a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate operations are used for manufacturing membrane-electrode joined body and joining sub-gaskets, then each operation can be performed independently, but continuity between processes is interrupted and quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the membrane-electrode manufacturing operation and the sub-gasket joining operation into a single integrated device. The membrane-electrode joined body is manufactured and immediately joined with sub-gaskets without being wound and stored separately, ensuring process continuity and preventing damage to the membrane-electrode joined body.
2Ease of manufacture
If membrane-electrode joined body is wound and stored between operations, then storage is enabled, but the body or like components are damaged and overall quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous manufacturing process where the membrane-electrode joined body is produced and immediately processed for sub-gasket joining without interruption. The membrane is fed continuously through the device, eliminating the need to wind and store the membrane-electrode joined body, thereby preventing damage and maintaining high manufacturing precision.
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
The integrated process ensures continuity and improves the quality of the membrane-electrode gasket assembly by preventing damage and enhancing adhesion, thus maintaining the integrity of the assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a first adsorption roller facing the first slot die and being configured to adsorb the membrane
Implementation Method 2
a first dryer configured to dry the membrane and the first electrode catalyst
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for manufacturing a membrane-electrode gasket assembly, the device including a first sub-assembly configured to manufacture a membrane-electrode body having a membrane and an electrode catalyst being joined to each other, a second sub-assembly provided downstream from the first sub-assembly and being configured to receive the membrane-electrode body from the first sub-assembly, and a third sub-assembly provided downstream from the second sub-assembly, the third sub-assembly being configured to receive the membrane-electrode body from the second sub-assembly and to manufacture an assembly by joining a gasket to the membrane-electrode joined body, wherein the membrane is disposed continuously over the first to third sub-assembly.