Central Tube Assembly Radial Flow for Filter Membrane

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Solution Overview

Problem

Household water purifiers using reverse osmosis/nano-filtration technologies face issues with low water use efficiency due to short flow passages, leading to strong concentration polarization and membrane pollution.

Innovation Solution

A central tube assembly for a filter cartridge is designed with a first and second half-tube configuration, where raw water flows perpendicular to the central tube, avoiding direction changes in flow speed and enhancing pollution resistance, while allowing for mass production and high water flowing speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If raw water flows parallel to the central tube in traditional membrane elements, then the structure is simple, but the flow passage is short causing strong concentration polarization and membrane pollution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidconcentration polarization and membrane pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional flow direction by making raw water flow perpendicular to the central tube axis rather than parallel to it. This inversion changes the flow dynamics fundamentally, extending the effective flow path length while maintaining structural simplicity, thereby reducing concentration polarization and membrane pollution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional parallel flow to two-dimensional perpendicular flow by introducing a radial flow component. The raw water enters through the central tube and flows radially outward through the membrane, creating a multi-dimensional flow path that increases contact time and reduces concentration polarization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If the flow passage is short in household membrane elements, then the device is compact, but the water use efficiency is low due to strong concentration polarization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidwater use efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic flow distribution mechanism where water flows radially outward from the central tube through multiple channels in the membrane. This dynamic radial flow pattern maintains high velocity throughout the membrane surface, preventing stagnation and concentration polarization while keeping the device compact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes hydraulic principles by designing the central tube with multiple water inlet holes that distribute water radially outward. This hydraulic distribution system creates uniform flow across the membrane surface, maintaining high water use efficiency in a compact configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Stress or pressure

If the flowing speed in the membrane is poor under equal water inlet flow, then the pressure drop is reduced, but the membrane surface produces strong concentration polarization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure dropVSAvoidconcentration polarization

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the flow parameters by transitioning from parallel flow to perpendicular radial flow. This parameter change increases the effective flow velocity across the membrane surface while distributing the pressure drop more evenly, preventing concentration polarization without excessive pressure loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 improves water use efficiency and reduces membrane pollution by maintaining consistent flow direction and speed, ensuring effective filtration and assembly efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

reverse osmosis (RO)/nano-filtration (NF) technology

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReverse osmosis: Reverse Osmosis

Implementation Method 2

reverse osmosis (RO)/nano-filtration (NF) technology

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNano-filtration:

Implementation Method 3

the membrane surface tends to produce a strong concentration polarization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConcentration polarization:

Data Source

PatentUS10967330B2Central tube component of filter element and manufacturing method thereof

Publication Date: 2021.04.06 FOSHAN MIDEA CHUNGHO WATER PURIFICATION MFG

AI summary

A central tube assembly for a filter cartridge and a manufacturing method for the central tube assembly are provided. The central tube assembly includes a first half-tube defines a first flow passage, and having a first water inlet at an end thereof and a water output hole in a side wall thereof, a filtering membrane bent to form a first membrane layer and a second membrane layer, the first half-tube being disposed between the first membrane layer and the second membrane layer; an input-water filtering net connected to the first half-tube and disposed between the first membrane layer and the second membrane layer, a second half-tube disposed outside of a bending of the filtering membrane, defining a second flow passage, and having a water input hole in a side wall thereof and a first water outlet at an end thereof, and a produced-water filtering net.