PEM Fuel Cell Conductor Assembly With Stripe Adhesive Lamination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assembling conductor assemblies for proton exchange membrane fuel cells are inefficient in terms of adhesive material usage and require extensive equipment, leading to high costs and material wastage.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves cutting and laminating segments of gas diffusion layer material with strategically applied adhesive stripes, including ionomer solution, to form a conductor assembly with a subgasket, optimizing the use of materials and equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If extensive equipment is used for assembling conductor assemblies, then assembly capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor assembly is divided into discrete components (GDL segments, subgasket, adhesive stripes) that can be prepared separately and assembled systematically. The GDL is cut into segments with specific adhesive patterns, allowing modular assembly without requiring complex integrated equipment
Solution Approach 2:
Adhesive stripes are applied to the GDL segments before assembly, and the segments are pre-cut to size and shape. This preliminary preparation of components with integrated adhesive patterns simplifies the final assembly process, eliminating the need for complex in-situ adhesive application equipment
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional adhesive application methods are used, then assembly is achieved, but adhesive material usage increases causing cost increase and material wastage
Solution Approach 1:
Adhesive material is applied in specific localized stripes only where needed for bonding, rather than coating the entire GDL surface. The adhesive is concentrated in first, second, and third stripes positioned at specific locations to achieve bonding while minimizing material usage
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying adhesive uniformly across the entire surface, the method uses partial action by applying adhesive only in specific stripe patterns where bonding is required. This selective application achieves the necessary assembly bonding while significantly reducing adhesive material consumption
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 reduces adhesive material usage, conserves costs, and maintains the efficiency of ionomer solution application, while enabling the assembly of conductor assemblies with improved material utilization and reduced operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
respective first, second and third stripes of an adhesive material applied onto the respective first surface
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for assembling a conductor assembly for a PEM fuel cell includes an application module for applying first and second stripes of an adhesive onto a rolled-out segment of GDL material, wherein the first and second stripes run along respective first and second longitudinal edges of the GDL material defining an applied segment. A cutting module cuts the applied segment to form one or more cut segments each having a respective primary surface on which respective portions of the stripes are carried. A laminating module laminates a subgasket between two cut segments, wherein the subgasket has a window bounded by a window periphery, and the two cut segments are oriented with their primary surfaces facing and covering the window with their respective portions of the first and second stripes being in contact with the window periphery.