Fuel Cell Separator Positioning Hole Reinforcing Rib
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fuel cell stacks, the outer peripheral portions of separator members can be deformed when positioning guides come into contact with the inner peripheral surfaces of positioning holes, leading to inaccurate positioning and potential electrical issues.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell separator member with a joint separator formed by joining two metal separators, featuring a positioning hole with a reinforcing rib and a joint portion to increase rigidity and prevent deformation, allowing accurate orthogonal positioning without damaging the outer peripheral portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If positioning guides are inserted into positioning holes to position separator members, then positioning accuracy is improved, but deformation of the outer peripheral portions occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The separator member is divided into multiple functional regions: the positioning hole for accurate positioning, the reinforcing rib for structural support, and the joint portion for electrical connection. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function without interfering with others, solving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and deformation prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing rib is strategically placed at the outer peripheral portion where deformation occurs, providing localized reinforcement exactly where needed. The joint portion is positioned between the reinforcing rib and positioning hole to provide localized electrical connectivity. This local quality approach strengthens the vulnerable area without affecting the overall positioning function.
2Ease of operation
If the outer peripheral portion is cut out to form a positioning hole, then positioning function is improved, but rigidity of the separator member deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing rib restores rigidity locally at the outer peripheral portion where the positioning hole creates weakness. This localized reinforcement maintains the separator member's overall rigidity while preserving the positioning function enabled by the cutout.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator member combines multiple materials with complementary properties: the base separator member material provides electrical conductivity and structural support, while the reinforcing rib material (with higher rigidity) compensates for the strength loss caused by the positioning hole cutout.
Data Source
AI summary
A first positioning hole is formed in a first positioning portion of a separator member, which is a fuel cell separator member forming a fuel cell stack. The first positioning portion includes a reinforcing rib and a joint portion. The reinforcing rib extends linearly outside the first positioning hole and protrudes from each of a first metal separator and a second metal separator. The joint portion is located between the reinforcing rib and the first positioning hole, and the first metal separator and the second metal separator are joined together at the joint portion.