Fluidic Module Suspension With Double-Axis Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous flow reactors face challenges with thermal expansion of rigid connectors leading to mechanical stress and difficulty in assembly and disassembly, particularly in maintenance and reconfiguration, due to the lack of flexibility in existing metal-free corrosion-resistant piping suitable for microreaction applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular reactor design with fluidic modules supported by a double-axis rotating assembly, allowing angular and axial displacement, which absorbs thermal expansion and reduces residual mechanical stress, and facilitates easy maintenance by allowing modules to hang and rotate, thereby minimizing stress and simplifying access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid connectors are used to ensure chemical resistance and structural stability, then reliability is improved, but thermal expansion causes mechanical stress and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible tubing made of chemically resistant materials (such as PTFE, PFA, or perfluoroalkoxy) to replace rigid connectors. These flexible tubes can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining chemical resistance, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation during temperature changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the connectors by using materials with appropriate thermal expansion coefficients and flexibility characteristics. The flexible tubing allows for parameter changes in length and shape during thermal cycles without generating excessive mechanical stress, while maintaining the chemical resistance required for reliability.
2Strength
If rigid connectors are used to maintain structural stability, then strength is improved, but assembly and disassembly become difficult during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tubing allows modules to be moved, rotated, and repositioned during maintenance and assembly without requiring complex disconnection procedures. The flexibility maintains structural stability while enabling easy accessibility for repair and reconfiguration operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility to the connector system, allowing the tubing to adapt its shape and position during assembly, maintenance, and operation. This dynamic characteristic enables modules to be easily accessed and repositioned while maintaining adequate structural stability throughout the system.
3Ease of operation
If flexible piping is used to accommodate thermal expansion, then ease of operation is improved, but chemical resistance and structural stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects flexible tubing materials with specific parameter characteristics - chemically resistant polymers like PTFE, PFA, or perfluoroalkoxy that combine flexibility for thermal expansion accommodation with adequate chemical resistance and structural stability for reliable operation in corrosive environments.
4Reliability
If thicker piping is used to withstand high pressure and temperature, then reliability is improved, but flexibility is reduced leading to increased mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using chemically resistant polymers with appropriate wall thicknesses that provide adequate pressure and temperature resistance while maintaining sufficient flexibility. The material selection and thickness optimization allow the tubing to withstand high pressure and temperature conditions while retaining the flexibility needed to accommodate thermal expansion without generating excessive mechanical stress.
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 design reduces mechanical stress from thermal expansion and simplifies maintenance by allowing gentle movement and rotation of fluidic modules, enhancing the flexibility and longevity of the reactor system while maintaining chemical resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the thermal elongation of the connector is not fully compensated by the relatively low flexibility of the piping. Therefore large mechanical stresses can be applied to the fluidic module
Implementation Method 2
each hanger (32) comprises a first rotary joint (34) with a first axis (36) of rotation extending in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the direction (D) in which the row (50) of modules (12) extends
Implementation Method 3
a second rotary joint (38) with a second axis (40) of rotation, the second axis (40) also extending in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the direction (D) in which the row (50) of modules (12) extends
Implementation Method 4
the relatively low flexibility of the piping. Therefore large mechanical stresses can be applied to the fluidic module
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A modular reactor (10) includes a plurality of planar fluidic modules (12) arranged in a spaced-apart horizontally extending row extending in a direction D with the major surfaces (14, 16) of the modules (12) oriented generally parallel to each other. A plurality of rigid or semi-rigid fluid connectors (30) are each positioned between facing major surfaces (14, 16) of the modules, and the connectors (30) fluidically and mechanically join at least one fluid port (18a) on a first surface (24) of the facing surfaces to at least one other fluid port (18b) on a second surface (26) of the facing surfaces (14,16). The reactor (10) further comprises a horizontally extending support structure (60) extending above the row of modules (12) in the direction D, and one or more hangers (32) each supporting one of the plurality of fluidic modules (12) from the support structure (60). The hangers (32) comprise a first rotary joint (34) having a first axis (36) positioned above the respective module (12) and below the support structure (60), and optionally and desirably, a second rotary joint (38) with a second axis (40), the one or two axes (36, 40) orthogonal to the direction D.