Membrane Humidifier Cartridge Sealing to Prevent Off-Gas Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fuel cell membrane humidifiers suffer from off-gas bypassing due to misassembly or dimensional tolerance, leading to reduced humidification efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell membrane humidifier design that incorporates a gasket between the inner case and the mid-case to seal the gap, utilizing a rib and hook structure with different hardness gaskets to ensure effective sealing of the gap, preventing off-gas bypass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gap sealing structure (rib and hook) is added between the inner case and mid-case, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is segmented into two functional parts: a rib extending from the inner case and a hook extending from the mid-case. This segmentation allows each component to have a specific sealing function while maintaining structural simplicity. The rib and hook work together to seal the gap without requiring a complex integrated sealing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib and hook structure acts as an intermediary element between the inner case and mid-case. Rather than directly modifying the cases themselves or adding a separate gasket material, the rib and hook serve as mechanical intermediaries that bridge the gap and prevent off-gas bypass while maintaining the modular assembly structure.
2Reliability
If gaskets with different hardness are used at different positions, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different hardness gaskets are applied at different positions based on local sealing requirements. The first gasket with first hardness is used at one position while the second gasket with second hardness is used at another position. This local quality differentiation optimizes sealing effectiveness at each specific location without requiring a complete redesign of the entire manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The hardness parameter of the gasket material is changed at different positions to optimize sealing performance. By varying the hardness parameter locally rather than using a uniform material throughout, the design achieves better sealing effectiveness while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing procedures through standardized gasket components with different material properties.
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 design effectively seals the gap between the inner case and the mid-case, preventing off-gas bypass and enhancing humidification efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a gasket disposed between the cap and the inner case and having a first hardness, the gasket being configured to seal a gap between the inner case and the partition wall by transmitting fastening force
Implementation Method 2
a membrane humidifying method of humidifying the polymer electrolyte membrane by supplying water vapor to air to be supplied to the polymer electrolyte membrane by using a membrane that selectively allows only water vapor included in off-gas to pass therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a fuel cell membrane humidifier in which a gap between an inner case and a mid-case constituting a cartridge is sealed to prevent off-gas from being bypassed. The disclosed fuel cell membrane humidifier includes: a mid-case having a partition wall partitioning an internal space; a first cap fastened to one side of the mid-case; a second cap fastened to other side of the mid-case; an inner case disposed in the mid-case and configured to accommodate a plurality of hollow fiber membranes therein; a rib protruding from one side of the inner case and coming into contact with one surface of the partition wall; a hook protruding from other side of the inner case and coming into contact with other surface of the partition wall; a first gasket disposed between the first cap and the inner case and configured to transmit fastening force between the first cap and the mid-case to the rib; and a second gasket disposed between the second cap and the inner case and configured to transmit fastening force between the second cap and the mid-case to the hook.