Degassing Tube Bundle Structure for Higher Bundling Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

The bundling strength of fluororesin tubes is limited by their cylindrical end portions, which restricts the density of the bundling structure and thus the improvement of bundling strength.

Innovation Solution

A degassing module with a tube unit that includes multiple tubes with radially protruding end portions, allowing for denser bundling and improved structural integrity, along with a housing and sealing portions to prevent fluid leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the end portions of fluororesin tubes are shaped cylindrically, then the tubes can be easily manufactured, but the bundling strength is limited due to restricted density of the bundling structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidbundling strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The end portions of the fluororesin tubes are transformed from cylindrical symmetric shapes to asymmetric shapes with protrusions. Each tube end includes a flat portion and a protrusion that extends radially outward, creating an asymmetric geometry that enables interlocking between adjacent tubes. This asymmetric design allows the tubes to be bundled more densely and securely, significantly improving bundling strength while maintaining manufacturability through molding processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Strength

If the end portions of tubes are bundled more densely to improve bundling strength, then the bundling strength increases, but the cylindrical shape limits the degree of density achievable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebundling strengthVSAvoidshape
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The end portion of each tube is segmented into distinct functional regions: a flat portion that provides a stable base for bundling and protrusions that extend radially outward to interlock with adjacent tubes. This segmentation of the end portion geometry enables denser packing arrangements, as the protrusions fit into spaces between adjacent tube ends, allowing achieving higher bundling density and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If protrusions are added to the end portions of tubes, then the bundling strength is improved through denser arrangement, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebundling strengthVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The geometry of the tube end portions is modified by changing parameters such as protrusion height, protrusion width, and the angle of the flat portion. These parameter changes enable the protrusions to interlock effectively with adjacent tubes, achieving denser bundling and improved strength. The parameters are optimized to balance the complexity of the geometry with the performance benefits, ensuring that the protrusions provide sufficient mechanical interlocking without excessive complexity.

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 module enhances the bundling strength of the tubes, improving the durability of the degassing process while reducing fluid leakage, allowing for more efficient gas and liquid handling.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the tubes (2) is a tubular membrane that allows gas to pass and prohibits liquid from passing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP4015886B1Degassing module
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 DIC CORP
  • EP4015886B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4015886B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4015886B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tube unit includes multiple tubes and bundling portions that bundle end portions of respective tubes at opposite ends of the tubes. At least one of the end portions of respective tubes has a tube wall portion that tubularly extends in an extension direction of the tubes and also has a protrusion protruding radially outward from the tube wall portion.