Rope-Based Joining Device for Compact Fuel Cell Stack Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel cell stacks face challenges in compactness due to increased dead volume from bolt and nut engagement and require adjustable banding for size deviations, which complicates assembly and mounting in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A joining device using a rope to apply pressure to fuel cell stacks, with fastener assemblies and hook units to control tension and length, eliminating dead volume and allowing for compact design and flexible assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bolt and nut are used to engage end plates, then the end plates can be securely engaged, but the dead volume of the end plates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the traditional bolt and nut engagement mechanism from the end plate structure and replaces it with a rope-based tensioning system. The rope passes through the end plates and is tensioned using turnbuckles, eliminating the need for bulky bolt and nut assemblies while maintaining secure engagement. This extraction of the engagement function to a separate, more compact mechanism resolves the contradiction between secure engagement and reduced dead volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using rigid mechanical fasteners (bolts and nuts) that engage from the outside, the patent inverts the approach by using a flexible rope that passes through the end plates and is tensioned from the inside. This inversion allows the engagement mechanism to be more compact and adaptable to size variations, reducing the dead volume while maintaining secure engagement.
2Volume of moving object
If steel band is used to engage end plates, then the dead volume is reduced, but the workability for assembling the stack deteriorates when length changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic tensioning mechanisms (turnbuckles) that allow adjustment of the rope length and tension. This dynamic capability enables the assembly to accommodate size deviations and length changes in the fuel cell stack while maintaining proper engagement pressure. The dynamic adjustment feature improves assembly workability compared to fixed steel bands, while the rope-based system maintains reduced dead volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the engagement system by using a flexible rope with adjustable tension instead of a rigid steel band. The rope's flexibility and the turnbuckle's ability to adjust length allow the system to adapt to various stack lengths and size deviations, improving assembly workability while maintaining compact dimensions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fuel cell stack length is changed to accommodate size deviations, then adaptability is improved, but the band length must be adjusted which complicates assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic tensioning devices (turnbuckles) that can be easily adjusted to accommodate different stack lengths. The turnbuckles allow for simple length adjustments by rotating the adjustment mechanism, which is much simpler than adjusting steel bands. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains adaptability to size deviations while reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible rope instead of a rigid or semi-rigid steel band. The rope's flexibility allows it to easily accommodate length changes and size deviations in the fuel cell stack without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. The rope can be simply tensioned and secured, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
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 rope-based joining device reduces dead volume, enables compact fuel cell stack design, and facilitates easy vehicle mounting by controlling tension and length, improving assembly workability and maintaining consistent pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a joining device suitably engaging the end plates by a rope, that suitably applies pressure to the electricity generating assembly by means of tension of the rope
Implementation Method 2
a wedge member that is suitably configured to be mounted at each engagement block, the rope being coiled to the wedge member and the wedge member pressing the rope to the engagement block
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention features a fuel cell stack that preferably includes an electricity generating assembly having a plurality of unit cells that are suitably disposed one after another; a pair of end plates pressedly disposed respectively at upper and lower ends of the electricity generating assembly; and a joining device suitably engaging the end plates by a rope, where pressure is applied to the electricity generating assembly by means of tension of the rope, and the length and tension of the rope is suitably controlled.