Segmented Sealing Frame Assembly for Membrane Stacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing membrane stacking units for humidifiers in fuel cell systems are time-consuming to assemble due to the need for a frame to be glued to the membrane stack after installation.
Innovation Solution
The membrane stacking unit is designed with a frame formed in several parts, including two frame plates with adhesive grooves, allowing for simplified assembly by gluing the sealing frames to the membrane stack via the adhesive-filled recesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rectangular frame is used to seal the side faces of the membrane stack, then airtight separation of dry air and humid air is achieved, but assembly time becomes very time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple separate components: a first frame part and a second frame part. These segmented parts can be assembled around the membrane stack in a modular fashion, reducing the complexity and time of the gluing process while maintaining the airtight seal between dry and humid air channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame parts are designed with pre-formed sealing surfaces and attachment features that align with the membrane stack. This preliminary preparation allows for quick positioning and securing of the frame components without requiring complex on-site adjustments, significantly reducing assembly time while ensuring reliable airtight separation.
2Reliability
If the frame is glued to the membrane stack after installation, then airtight separation is achieved, but the assembly process becomes very time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into multiple parts that can be attached separately to the membrane stack. This segmentation allows for parallel assembly operations and reduces the overall gluing time compared to attaching a single large frame, while still achieving complete airtight separation of the air channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame parts are pre-configured with sealing elements and attachment interfaces that match the membrane stack geometry. This preliminary preparation enables rapid alignment and securing, improving assembly efficiency without compromising the reliability of the airtight separation between dry and humid air flows.
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 design significantly reduces the assembly time and ensures a reliable, airtight seal between the membrane stack and the sealing frames, preventing air mixing and enhancing the humidification process.
Implementation Method 1
The recess is filled with an adhesive and the sealing frame is glued to the membrane stack via the adhesive
Implementation Method 2
The membranes can be designed in such a way that they are impermeable to air and permeable to humidity and water vapor
Data Source
AI summary
A membrane stacking unit for a humidifier for a vehicle powered by fuel cells is disclosed. The membrane stacking unit includes a cuboid membrane stack with a plurality of flexible membranes stacked in a stacking direction, with four side faces through which air can flow and two end faces through which air cannot flow. Two sealing frames are assigned to two opposing side faces of the membrane stack. The respective sealing frame has a circumferential sealing region and a circumferential region projecting vertically. The respective sealing frame has a recess that is filled with an adhesive for sealing to the membrane stack.