Apparatus and method for assembling a conductor assembly for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell

A conductor assembly for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, comprising:

• first and second cut segments of gas diffusion layer (GDL) material, wherein each of the first and second cut segments has a respective first surface, respective opposed first and second longitudinal edges, and respective first and second stripes of an ionomer solution applied onto the respective first surface along a respective length of the respective first surface, wherein for each of the first and second cut segments the respective first stripe runs along and is proximate to the respective first longitudinal edge and the respective second stripe runs along and is proximate to the respective second longitudinal edge;
• and
• a generally planar subgasket having a window therethrough bounded by a window periphery surrounding the window;
• wherein the generally planar subgasket is sandwiched between the first and second cut segments with the first and second cut segments oriented with their respective first surfaces facing and covering the window and with their respective first and second stripes being disposed in contact with the window periphery.

An apparatus for assembling a conductor assembly for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell, comprising:

• an application module configured for applying first, second and third stripes of an adhesive material onto a first surface of a rolled out segment of gas diffusion layer (GDL) material along a length thereof, the rolled out segment having opposed first and second longitudinal edges, wherein the first stripe runs along and is proximate to the first longitudinal edge, the second stripe runs along and is proximate to the second longitudinal edge, and the third stripe runs between the first and second stripes, thereby defining an applied segment;
• a cutting module configured for cutting the applied segment so as to form one or more cut segments each having a respective primary surface on which respective portions of the first, second and third stripes are carried;
• and
• a laminating module configured for laminating a generally planar subgasket between two of the cut segments, wherein the subgasket has a window therethrough bounded by a window periphery surrounding the window, and wherein the two cut segments are oriented with their respective primary surfaces facing and covering the window and with their respective portions of the first and second stripes being disposed in contact with the window periphery.