Fuel Cell Stack Frame Nesting for Shock-Protected Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell systems face challenges in enhancing the shock resistance of stack assemblies and electrical devices, which are critical for withstanding impacts such as collisions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fuel cell system configuration where the stack assembly is surrounded by a frame and connectors from multiple sides, providing comprehensive protection to both the stack and electrical devices, including the integration of a cooling system with coolant pumps, to enhance shock resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stack assembly and electrical device are installed without additional protective structures, then the device complexity is reduced, but the shock resistance property deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is divided into multiple functional components: a frame providing outer protection, connectors securing the stack assembly, and the stack assembly itself acting as protection for the electrical device. This segmentation allows each component to contribute specifically to shock resistance without creating an overly complex monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested protective arrangement where the frame surrounds the stack assembly, and the stack assembly in turn surrounds the electrical device. This nested configuration maximizes protection within the available space while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Reliability
If the stack assembly is surrounded by frame and connectors from multiple sides, then the shock resistance of stack assembly is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be manufactured separately and then assembled around the stack assembly. The connectors are also separate components that can be independently manufactured and installed, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while achieving multi-side protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame and connectors work together as an integrated protective system, combining their functions to provide comprehensive shock resistance. This merging of protective functions into a coordinated system achieves high reliability without requiring each individual component to be overly complex.
3Reliability
If the electrical device is surrounded from four sides by frame and stack assembly, then the shock resistance of electrical device is improved, but the space utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical device is nested within the stack assembly, which is itself nested within the frame structure. This nested arrangement provides four-sided protection for the electrical device while utilizing the vertical and horizontal space efficiently, as the protective structures are arranged around rather than above the components.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection is achieved primarily in the horizontal plane through the frame and connectors, and in the vertical arrangement through the nested positioning of components. This dimensional approach provides comprehensive protection without requiring excessive vertical clearance, optimizing space utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention has an object of efficiently improving a shock resistance property between a fuel cell and electrical device. A fuel cell system includes a stack assembly, an anode system, a cathode system, an electrical device, a frame, and two connectors. The stack assembly includes a stack in which fuel cells are laminated. The electrical device is installed below the stack assembly. The frame is installed below the electrical device, and both ends in a front/rear direction extend upwards. The two connectors connect both ends of the frame to the stack assembly. In a side view, the stack assembly is surrounded from at least three sides by the two connectors and the frame. In a side view, at least a predetermined portion of the electrical device is surrounded from the four sides by the frame and the stack assembly.