Ring-Frame Fuel Cell Mobile Unit With Replaceable Hydrogen Tanks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel cell vehicles primarily utilize power generated by the fuel cell for vehicle propulsion, neglecting other potential applications.
Innovation Solution
A service providing mobile unit with a ring-shaped frame, movement-use wheels, hydrogen storage tank insert parts, and a fuel cell, allowing hydrogen to be supplied to the fuel cell for various applications, including powering service providing units within a ring-shaped inner circumference space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power generated by the fuel cell is used only for vehicle propulsion, then the vehicle can operate reliably, but the versatility and utility of the fuel cell system is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell mobile unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can propel vehicles using generated power, supply electricity to stationary facilities during blackouts, charge electric vehicles, and power mobile devices. This multi-functional design allows a single fuel cell system to serve diverse applications without requiring separate systems for each function, thereby improving versatility while managing complexity through integrated design
2Adaptability or versatility
If the fuel cell system is designed for multiple applications, then the utility and adaptability increase, but the system complexity and device structure become more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel cell mobile unit is divided into distinct functional modules: a power generation module (fuel cell and hydrogen storage), a vehicle propulsion module (drive wheels and motor), and a service provision module (power supply interfaces for facilities and devices). This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system versatility, reducing complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed with dynamic configurability, where the fuel cell mobile unit can transition between different operational modes: moving as a self-propelled vehicle, stationary as a mobile power plant, or in hybrid modes. The power distribution system dynamically allocates generated electricity to different loads (vehicle motor, facility equipment, or external devices) based on real-time demands, enabling adaptability without permanent structural complexity
3Productivity
If hydrogen storage tanks are made replaceable for quick refueling, then the refueling efficiency improves, but the hydrogen supply system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of designing a complex in-situ hydrogen refueling system, the patent employs a simpler approach by using pre-filled, replaceable hydrogen storage tanks. This partial action strategy focuses on replacing only the depleted tank rather than implementing a complete refueling infrastructure, achieving quick refueling efficiency while minimizing system complexity by avoiding complex hydrogen compression, storage, and transfer equipment
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 the use of fuel cell power for diverse applications such as charging electric skates, operating vending machines, and providing backup power during blackouts, enhancing utility beyond vehicle propulsion.
Implementation Method 1
a fuel cell arranged inside the frame, wherein hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell from a replaceable hydrogen storage tank
Data Source
AI summary
A service providing mobile unit 1 comprised of a frame 2 forming a ring shape about a horizontal axis, movement-use wheels 4, 5 attached to the bottom part of the frame 2, a hydrogen storage tank insert pan 10 formed inside the frame 2, and a fuel cell 40 arranged inside the frame 2. Hydrogen is supplied to the fuel cell 40 from a replaceable hydrogen storage tank 20 inserted into the hydrogen storage tank insert part 10. A service providing space 3 having a ring-shaped inner circumference surface of the frame 2 as its outer edges is formed by the frame 2, and power can be supplied from the fuel cell 40 to a service providing unit installed inside the service providing space 3.