Bendable Flexible Flat Membrane Module for Water Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water filtration systems with rigid inner members face difficulties in effectively removing foreign matters from the membrane surface during backwashing, leading to swollen membranes and inefficient water flow, and require support frames, limiting workability and mass production capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A bendable flexible flat membrane module with a flexible support member and point bonding portions allows for smooth water flow and backwashing, utilizing a PTFE membrane and a flexible non-woven support member bonded via heat lamination or other methods, enabling deformation into a zigzag shape for enhanced grease cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid inner member is used to support the membrane, then the membrane structure is stable, but the membrane cannot be bent freely and backwashing is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid inner member with a flexible non-woven fabric that has sufficient strength to support the membrane while allowing free bending and deformation. This flexible support structure enables the membrane module to be bent into various shapes including zigzag patterns, facilitating improved backwashing performance while maintaining structural integrity.
2Productivity
If the membrane is bonded to a rigid inner member, then the membrane structure is stable, but washing water cannot pass through smoothly during backwashing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible support structure that allows the membrane to dynamically deform during backwashing operations. The flexible non-woven fabric can adapt its shape to facilitate water flow through the membrane pores during backwashing, preventing membrane swelling while improving backwashing efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If a support frame is used to maintain membrane shape, then the membrane structure is stable, but workability and mass production are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex support frame structure from the membrane module design. Instead, it uses a flexible non-woven fabric that inherently provides the necessary structural support without requiring additional framing components. This simplification enables easier manufacturing and mass production while maintaining membrane shape stability.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the membrane is made rigid for structural stability, then the membrane maintains its shape, but grease cleaning by air bubbles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the flexibility of the non-woven fabric support to deform the membrane into a zigzag shape with curved surfaces. This curved configuration enhances the contact between air bubbles and the membrane surface, improving grease cleaning efficiency while the flexible support maintains overall structural stability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution facilitates smooth water movement and backwashing, improves workability without a support frame, enables mass production, and maximizes grease cleaning using air bubbles, preventing membrane swelling and enhancing filtration efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
capable of maximizing grease cleaning by air bubbles while deforming a shape of a membrane into a zigzag shape
Implementation Method 2
a PTFE membrane or a polymer membrane, which is a very stable compound due to strong chemical bonding between fluorine and carbon among fluorine resins performing a surface filtration function
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a PTFE membrane and a flexible non-woven support member bonded via heat lamination or other methods
Data Source
AI summary
A bendable flexible flat membrane module includes: a membrane facing each other and constituting both outer surfaces; a support member made of a flexible material and embedded inside the membrane constituting the both outer surfaces; and a plurality of point bonding portions formed by pressing and bonding the both outer surfaces facing each other at a predetermined point.