Total Heat Exchange Element Bonding Without Paper Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for manufacturing total heat exchange elements using paper-based partitioning and space holding members face challenges such as reduced productivity, strength degradation, and workability issues due to the impregnation of large amounts of water-soluble moisture-absorbing agents, which can lead to blocking and deformation during the manufacturing process.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a water-solvent adhesive that dissolves a water-soluble moisture-absorbing agent or flame retardant for bonding and laminating the paper-based partitioning and space holding members, allowing for controlled impregnation of the agent during the manufacturing process without pre-impregnating the base papers, thereby maintaining paper strength and preventing deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large amount of water-soluble moisture-absorbing agent is impregnated in the partitioning members and space holding members in advance, then the moisture absorption performance is improved, but the paper strength is degraded and blocking occurs during manufacturing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture absorption performanceVSAvoidpaper strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The moisture-absorbing agent is not impregnated in advance into the partitioning members and space holding members, but is instead applied through the adhesive during the bonding process. This preliminary action timing adjustment prevents paper strength degradation while ensuring adequate moisture absorption performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive serves as an intermediary carrier for the moisture-absorbing agent. Instead of directly impregnating the agent into the paper members, it is dissolved in the adhesive and applied during bonding, which protects the paper strength while delivering the moisture-absorbing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a large amount of water-soluble moisture-absorbing agent is impregnated in advance, then the moisture absorption performance is improved, but deformation occurs during manufacturing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture absorption performanceVSAvoiddeformation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The moisture-absorbing agent is applied at the bonding stage rather than in advance, which prevents deformation during the manufacturing process. The agent is introduced only when needed, after the structural integrity is established.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If pre-impregnation of moisture-absorbing agent is performed, then the moisture absorption performance is improved, but productivity decreases due to blocking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture absorption performanceVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive acts as an intermediary that delivers the moisture-absorbing agent without causing blocking. By dissolving the agent in the adhesive and applying it during bonding, the manufacturing process remains smooth and productive while achieving the desired moisture absorption performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If water-solvent adhesive containing moisture-absorbing agent is used for bonding, then the moisture absorption performance is improved, but the adhesive strength may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture absorption performanceVSAvoidadhesive strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The concentration of the moisture-absorbing agent in the adhesive is optimized to balance moisture absorption performance and adhesive strength. By adjusting the parameter of agent concentration, both requirements are satisfied simultaneously.

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

This approach enhances productivity and workability by preventing blocking and deformation, allowing for the efficient assembly of total heat exchange elements with a desired amount of moisture-absorbing agent, while reducing material costs and eliminating the need for complex solvent collection systems.

Implementation Method 1

bonding and laminating the paper-based partitioning and space holding members using a water-solvent adhesive that dissolves a water-soluble moisture-absorbing agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

water-soluble moisture-absorbing agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS8316542B2Method of manufacturing total heat exchange element and total heat exchange element

Publication Date: 2012.11.27 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A total heat exchange element includes a sheet-like partitioning member and space holding members on both sides of the partitioning member to form air paths and performs a heat exchange via the partitioning member between an air flow flowing through an air path formed on one side of the partitioning member and an air flow flowing through an air path formed on other side of the partitioning member. The partitioning member and the space holding members are bonded by a water-solvent adhesive in which a water-soluble moisture-absorbing agent is dissolved.