SELF-SEALING FLOW FRAME FOR FLOW BATTERY STACK

摘要

A self-sealing flow frame is provided having a first frame component and a second frame component. Each frame component is provided with a tongue-and-groove configuration that when assembled forms a tessellation engagement, which creates the seal. When each frame component is assembled into a flow frame, with the inner surfaces facing towards each other, the tongue-and-groove arrangements create a seal profile that circumscribe constituent parts of a device within which the self-sealing flow frame is being employed. As the frame components are compressively secured and fastened together, a tessellation engagement of the seal profile forms the fluid seal. Fluids of the device are prevented from exfiltrating the device, and are contained within the self-sealing flow frame by the fluid seal.

主权项

1. A self-sealing frame, comprising:
a first frame component, comprising:
a first end plate having a plurality of first end plate fastening apertures;a first half-cell having a first half-cell inner surface and a first half-cell outer surface; and,a second half-cell having a second half-cell inner surface and a second half-cell outer surface;wherein said first half-cell inner surface is provided with at least one channel or at least one tongue-protrusion;wherein said second half-cell inner surface is provided with at least one tongue-protrusion or at least one channel;wherein each channel and each tongue-protrusion is a contiguous concentric formation such that profiles of each individual channel complement profiles of each individual tongue-protrusion so as to substantially align when said first half-cell inner surface is mated with said second half-cell inner surface to generate a first seal profile; and,wherein said first and second half-cells are provided with half-cell fastening apertures disposed about a perimeter of each first and second half-cell, each individual half-cell fastening aperture substantially aligns with an individual end plate fastening aperture when said first end plate is mated with said first and second half-cells; a second frame component, comprising:
a second end plate having a plurality of second end plate fastening apertures;a third half-cell having a third half-cell inner surface and a third half-cell outer surface; and,a fourth half-cell having a fourth half-cell inner surface and a fourth half-cell outer surface;wherein said third half-cell inner surface is provided with at least one channel or at least one tongue-protrusion;wherein said fourth half-cell inner surface is provided with at least one tongue-protrusion or at least one channel;wherein each channel and each tongue-protrusion is a contiguous concentric formation such that profiles of each individual channel complement profiles of each individual tongue-protrusion so as to substantially align when said third half-cell inner surface is mated with said fourth half-cell inner surface to generate a second seal profile; and,wherein said third and fourth half-cells are provided with half-cell fastening apertures disposed about a perimeter of each third and fourth half-cell, each individual half-cell fastening aperture substantially aligns with an individual end plate fastening aperture when said second end plate is mated with said third and fourth half-cells; wherein said first frame component and said second frame component are configured to be placed in serial construction within a device having constituent parts and a fluid such that said first and second frame components sandwich said constituent parts and contain said fluid; and, wherein said first and second seal profiles form a tessellation engagement with said constituent parts when said first and second frame components are compressively secured to each other, said tessellation engagement forming a fluid seal to prevent exfiltration of said fluid while said device is subject to positive pressure.