Hollow Fiber Module Core Removal for Pressure Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deaerating hollow fiber modules used in ink jet printers require miniaturization and reduced pressure loss, but the cylindrical core, which provides rigidity and support, causes significant pressure loss during the deaerating and defoaming process.
Innovation Solution
A process for manufacturing a deaerating hollow fiber module without a cylindrical core, where a sheet of hollow fibers is wrapped around a temporary core, sealed, and then the core is removed, allowing the hollow fibers to be bonded and sealed at both ends, eliminating the need for a central core to ensure rigidity and minimize pressure loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a cylindrical core is used to provide rigidity and support for hollow fibers, then structural stability is improved, but pressure loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cylindrical core from the hollow fiber module structure. The hollow fibers are directly supported by the housing without a central core, eliminating the pressure loss caused by the core while maintaining structural integrity through alternative support mechanisms at the end surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin sealing members (gaskets) at the end surfaces to provide support and sealing functions previously performed by the rigid cylindrical core. These flexible sealing members maintain structural stability without creating significant pressure drop in the fluid flow path.
2Ease of manufacture
If a cylindrical core is used to support hollow fibers, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the cylindrical core, the module volume is reduced while maintaining the essential support and sealing functions through simplified end-surface mounting structures. The hollow fibers are directly supported by the housing bore without requiring additional core components.
3Reliability
If conventional manufacturing process with cylindrical core is used, then structural integrity is improved, but pressure loss is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin sealing members and bonding structures at the end surfaces to maintain structural integrity without the pressure-dropping cylindrical core. The sealing members provide necessary support and sealing while minimizing resistance to fluid flow through the module.
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 enables the production of a miniaturized deaerating hollow fiber module with reduced pressure loss, allowing for efficient deaeration and defoaming of ink while maintaining high accuracy and ease of manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a hollow fiber (2) with a compact layer (2c) formed on the outside surface
Implementation Method 2
the pressure is reduced inside the hollow fiber. The bubbles contained in the ink pass through the membrane due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the hollow fiber
Implementation Method 3
a hollow fiber (2) with a compact layer (2c) formed on the outside surface
Implementation Method 4
The bubbles contained in the ink pass through the membrane due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the hollow fiber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A process for manufacturing a deaerating hollow fiber module with no core, including the steps of wrapping a sheet containing a multiplicity of hollow fibers around a temporary core; retaining in tubular form the sheet wrapped around the temporary core; and removing the temporary core from the sheet retained in tubular form.