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US 9,312,547 B2Granted
Applying a seal to a fuel cell component
AssigneeAudi AG
InventorsKristoffer Ridgeway, John F. Hoffman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An exemplary method of applying a seal to a fuel cell component includes providing a release layer on one side of a seal. The release layer has reinforcing fibers. Another side of the seal is placed against a selected portion of the fuel cell component. The seal, release layer and fuel cell component are heated. The release layer is then removed after the seal is secured to the fuel cell component.
Claims20
A method of applying a seal to a fuel cell component, comprising:
- positioning a release layer in direct contact with top and side surfaces of the seal and in direct contact with a surface of the fuel cell component, the release layer including reinforcing fibers;
- placing a bottom of the seal against a selected portion of the fuel cell component;
- securing the seal to the fuel cell component by heating the fuel cell component, the seal, and the release layer, the securing including constraining exposed surfaces of the top and side surfaces of the seal with the release layer and the reinforcing fibers;
- and
- removing the release layer after the securing.
2 more elements
A method comprising:
- positioning a release layer including reinforcing fibers over a seal;
- positioning the seal on a fuel cell plate;
- bonding the seal to the fuel cell plate by applying heat to the seal, the release layer being in direct contact with top and side surfaces of the seal and in direct contact with a surface of the fuel cell plate during the bonding;
- constraining expansion of the seal and movement of the seal with respect to the fuel cell plate with the release layer during the bonding;
- and
- removing the release layer and reinforcing fibers from the seal and the fuel cell plate.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.