Hybrid seal application process
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorMark W. Keyser
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for creating a formed-in-place seal on a fuel cell plate is disclosed. The method includes first dispensing a flowable seal material along a first sealing area of a fuel cell plate requiring the seal material. Next, a preformed template is located adjacent to at least a portion of the fuel cell plate, the template including predetermined apertures corresponding with a second sealing area of the plate, such that the apertures are coextensive with at least a portion of the first sealing area. Flowable seal material is applied into the apertures, and is then cured to a non-flowable state.
Claims16
A method for creating a formed-in-place seal on a fuel cell plate, comprising:
- first, dispensing a flowable seal material on a first sealing area of a fuel cell plate requiring the seal material;
- second, locating a preformed multi-axis template on at least a portion of a surface of the fuel cell plate, the multi-axis template including apertures corresponding with a second sealing area of the surface of the fuel cell plate, wherein the apertures correspond to and define at least a non-linear seal area of the fuel cell plate, and wherein a cross-section of the apertures at a top surface of the template corresponds to a cross-section of the apertures at an underside surface of the template, the apertures coextensive with at least a portion of the first sealing area;
- applying the flowable seal material in the apertures to the surface of the fuel cell plate;
- and
- curing the flowable seal material to a non-flowable state.
A method for creating a formed-in-place seal on a fuel cell plate, comprising:
- first, dispensing from a nozzle a flowable seal material on a first sealing area of a fuel cell plate requiring the seal material;
- second, placing a preformed multi-axis template on a surface of the fuel cell plate, wherein the multi-axis template includes apertures defining a second sealing area of the surface of the fuel cell plate, wherein the apertures correspond to and define at least a non-linear seal area of the fuel cell plate, and wherein a cross-section of the apertures at a top surface of the template corresponds to a cross-section of the apertures at an underside surface of the template, the apertures coextensive with at least a portion of the first sealing area;
- applying the flowable seal material in the apertures to the surface of the fuel cell plate;
- and
- curing the flowable seal material to a non-flowable state.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.