Fuel Cell Separator Conveyance Apparatus with Segmented Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel cell separator conveyance apparatuses face the risk of protective sheets falling off during suction due to inadequate adherence, leading to unintended positioning and handling issues.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell separator conveyance apparatus with a movable body featuring a suction part and support part, equipped with communication holes that allow for simultaneous suction of the separator and protective sheet through separate channels, ensuring stable holding and removal of the protective sheet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air is blown onto the protective sheet to remove it from the separator, then the protective sheet can be removed from the separator, but the protective sheet may fall off at an unintended position due to free fall
Solution Approach 1:
The suction part is divided into two independent suction channels: a first suction channel that communicates with the flow path to hold the separator, and a second suction channel that communicates with through-holes to hold the protective sheet. This segmentation allows independent control of separator and protective sheet holding, enabling precise positioning during removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The second suction channel acts as an intermediary mechanism between the protective sheet and the external environment. By maintaining suction through this intermediary channel, the protective sheet remains controlled and can be removed in a controlled manner rather than falling freely, thus maintaining positioning reliability during removal.
2Reliability
If the protective sheet is held through suction during separator conveyance, then the protective sheet adheres to the separator, but the protective sheet may not always adhere reliably during suction
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system is segmented into two independent channels with separate control. The first suction channel holds the separator through the flow path, while the second suction channel holds the protective sheet through the through-holes. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall adherence reliability without requiring a single complex suction system.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction part is designed with multi-functionality, serving both to hold the separator (via first suction channel) and to hold the protective sheet (via second suction channel). This universal design allows the same component to perform multiple functions, improving reliability while avoiding the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.
3Device complexity
If a single suction channel is used to hold both separator and protective sheet, then the device structure is simple, but the protective sheet may not be held securely
Solution Approach 1:
The suction channels are segmented into two independent pathways: the first suction channel communicating with the flow path for separator holding, and the second suction channel communicating with through-holes for protective sheet holding. This segmentation provides secure holding for both components while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that avoids the need for complex multi-component systems.
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 apparatus effectively conveys fuel cell separators while maintaining the protective sheet in place, preventing unintended detachment and facilitating efficient handling and mounting of the separators.
Implementation Method 1
a suction part provided on the movable body and configured to generate a suction so as to hold the separator on the movable body
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel cell separator conveyance apparatus including a movable body having an opposing surface extending in a substantially horizontal direction and facing an upper surface of a separator, a suction part provided on the movable body to generate a suction to hold the separator on the movable body, and a support part movably supporting the movable body. A first communication hole communicating with a flow path of a reaction gas and a second communication hole communicating with at least one of a plurality of through-holes of the separator are provided in the movable body, and the suction part includes a first section part holding the separator on the movable body through the suction via the first communication hole, and a second suction part holding the protective sheet on the movable body through the suction via the second communication hole.