Apparatus and method for separating a fuel cell assembly from a bonding fixture
Assignee3M Innovative Properties Company
InventorJohn Russell Mlinar
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for separating a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) from a fixture assembly subsequent to MEA bonding within the fixture assembly involves stabilizing the first fixture of the fixture assembly. The second fixture of the fixture assembly is stabilized. While the second fixture is stabilized, the first fixture is pressurized to cause the first surface of the MEA to separate from the first fixture. While the first fixture is stabilized, the second fixture is pressurized to cause the second surface of the MEA to separate from the second fixture. The second fixture is then moved out of proximity with the first fixture to permit removal of the MEA from the first fixture.
Claims30
A method of separating a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) from a fixture assembly subsequent to MEA bonding within the fixture assembly, the fixture assembly comprising a first fixture contacting a first surface of the MEA and a second fixture contacting a second surface of the MEA, the first and second fixtures comprising substantially porous regions, respectively, the method comprising:
- stabilizing the first fixture of the fixture assembly;
- stabilizing the second fixture of the fixture assembly;
- while the second fixture is stabilized, pressurizing the first fixture to cause the first surface of the MEA to separate from the first fixture;
- while the first fixture is stabilized, pressurizing the second fixture to cause the second surface of the MEA to separate from the second fixture;
- and
- moving the second fixture out of proximity with the first fixture to permit removal of the MEA from the first fixture.
An apparatus for separating a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) from a fixture assembly subsequent to MEA bonding within the fixture assembly, the fixture assembly comprising a first fixture contacting a first surface of the MEA and a second fixture contacting a second surface of the MEA, the first and second fixtures comprising substantially porous regions, respectively, the apparatus comprising:
- a base comprising a first port and adapted to receive the fixture assembly such that the first port is in fluid communication with a first surface of the MEA via the porous region of the first fixture;
- and
- a gripper assembly mounted for movement on a support and comprising a gripper mechanism and a second port, the second port in fluid communication with a second surface of the MEA via the porous region of the second fixture, the first and second ports selectively pressurized and evacuated to separate the first and second surfaces of the MEA from the first and second fixtures, respectively, the gripper assembly adapted to releasably grip a pair of opposing edges of the second fixture and to move the second fixture out of proximity with the first fixture.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.