Fuel Cell Separator Plate Assembly With Variable Gas Flow Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional separator plates for solid oxide fuel cells have low processing precision and productivity due to the etching process used to form gas flow paths, resulting in uneven profiles and long processing times.

Innovation Solution

A separator plate assembly that forms gas flow paths by arranging flow path forming blocks on a base plate with coupling protrusions in a grid pattern, eliminating the need for etching and allowing for variable flow path patterns based on block shape and arrangement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the etching process is used to form gas flow paths in the base plate, then the flow paths can be created, but the processing precision is low and productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow path shape processing precisionVSAvoidflow path processing productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate is segmented into multiple regions by arranging coupling protrusions in a grid pattern, allowing independent placement of flow path forming blocks in different regions. This enables parallel processing and improves productivity while maintaining precise flow path formation through modular block assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Flow path forming blocks serve as intermediary elements that mediate between the coupling protrusions on the base plate and the final gas flow paths. These blocks enable precise flow path formation through mechanical assembly rather than etching, improving both precision and productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the etching process is used to form gas flow paths, then flow paths are created, but the processing time is long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow path formation speedVSAvoidflow path processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Flow path forming blocks are pre-formed with specific geometries and coupling features before assembly. The coupling protrusions are also pre-positioned on the base plate in a grid pattern, allowing rapid assembly without time-consuming etching processes. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces processing time while maintaining flow path precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If flow path forming blocks are arranged on the base plate with coupling protrusions in a grid pattern, then variable flow path patterns can be formed, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow path pattern variabilityVSAvoidseparator plate assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling protrusions are designed with a universal grid pattern that can accommodate multiple types of flow path forming blocks with different shapes and arrangements. This universal interface enables variable flow path patterns while maintaining a standardized, relatively simple base plate structure. The same coupling mechanism serves multiple configuration purposes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240204216A1Separator plate assembly for fuel cell capable of forming variable flow path pattern

Publication Date: 2024.06.20 JIN YOUNG PRECISION MACHINE

AI summary

The separator plate assembly is capable of forming a variable flow path. The separator plate assembly includes a base plate, a flow path forming block, and a gas flow path. By arranging the flow path forming block on the base plate to form the gas flow path, the precision and productivity of flow path shape processing can be improved, and various gas flow paths can be variably formed on the base plate.