Separator Plate Load Relief Beads for Impact-Resistant Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical systems face challenges in maintaining sealing efficiency under mechanical loads, particularly during impacts, which can lead to irreversible deformation of sealing elements, compromising system operation and safety, especially when using flammable media like hydrogen.
Innovation Solution
A separator plate design incorporating both sealing beads and load relief beads, where the load relief beads are strategically positioned to absorb excessive forces during impacts, ensuring the sealing beads remain functional by maintaining their elastic compression state and preventing permanent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing beads are used to seal off regions of the separator plate, then sealing efficiency is improved, but the sealing beads are susceptible to irreversible deformation under mechanical impact loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces load relief beads that absorb impact energy before it reaches the sealing beads. These load relief beads are positioned between the sealing beads and the external environment, creating a cushioning effect that prevents direct transmission of impact forces to the sealing elements, thereby protecting them from irreversible deformation while maintaining their sealing function
Solution Approach 2:
The load relief beads act as intermediary elements between the external impact forces and the sealing beads. They serve as a mediator that absorbs and dissipates mechanical energy, preventing the direct transfer of harmful forces to the sealing beads and thus protecting the sealing system without compromising its integrity
2Ease of manufacture
If the separator plate structure is simplified, then manufacturing ease is improved, but protection against impact forces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function and the impact protection function into a single integrated separator plate structure. The load relief beads and sealing beads are both formed as integral parts of the separator plate, eliminating the need for separate protective components and simplifying manufacturing while providing comprehensive impact resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The separator plate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing through the sealing beads, impact protection through the load relief beads, and structural support. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional separate components, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while enhancing overall system reliability and impact resistance
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 separator plate effectively absorbs impact energy, reducing the likelihood of permanent deformation in sealing elements, thus ensuring the electrochemical system remains sealed and operational even after mechanical stress, enhancing safety and robustness without significant increases in weight or installation space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The load relief bead (22) may relieve the load on the sealing bead (12) in the working range and also in a crash situation or in the event of an impact
Implementation Method 2
The sealing elements may be designed as bead arrangements. In order for the sealing elements to be able to achieve a consistently good sealing effect regardless of the respectively prevailing operating state, the sealing elements may be elastically deformable
Data Source
AI summary
A separator plate for an electrochemical system and a bipolar plate comprising two such separator plates for an electrochemical system. An electrochemical system comprising at least two separator plates and/or one bipolar plate. A separator plate comprising: at least one sealing bead for sealing off a region of the separator plate and at least one load relief bead which relieves load on the sealing bead, the load relief bead arranged spaced apart from the sealing bead, and, in a cross-section perpendicular to the course of the load relief bead, at least in a non-compressed state of the separator plate, at least one bead flank of the load relief bead comprises, in at least a first segment along the direction of extension, at least a first, outer portion and a second, inner portion which are at different positive angles to the separator plate plane.