Hollow Fiber Membrane Module Structure for Leak-Free Air Humidification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hollow fiber membrane modules face challenges in stabilizing the attitudes of hollow fiber membranes when they are not inserted in a tube, leading to potential deformation and air leakage due to large gaps between the membranes.

Innovation Solution

A hollow fiber membrane module design featuring a tubular case with a hollow fiber membrane bundle, sealing and fixing portions at both ends, and strategically placed spaces and restriction portions to prevent membrane deformation and air leakage, ensuring consistent membrane alignment and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a space is disposed between the case inner wall and the hollow fiber membrane bundle to prevent flow concentration, then the membrane area contributing to separation effect increases, but the hollow fiber membranes may deform and enter into the space causing large gaps and air leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane separation efficiencyVSAvoidmembrane alignment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Rectification projections are introduced as intermediary structures that mediate between the case inner wall and the hollow fiber membrane bundle. These projections extend into the space to guide and straighten the membranes, preventing them from entering the space while maintaining the necessary gap for uniform flow distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The rectification projections are strategically positioned at specific locations where membrane deformation is most likely to occur. By providing localized support structures rather than uniform constraints throughout, the design allows membrane freedom where needed while preventing intrusion into the flow space at critical points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If rectification projections are disposed on the case inner wall to rectify fluid flow, then flow uniformity improves, but the structure complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow uniformityVSAvoidcase structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rectification projections are designed with a thin, flexible plate-like structure that can be easily formed and integrated into the case. This simple geometric form minimizes manufacturing complexity while effectively performing the flow rectification function through its extended configuration into the flow space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The rectification function is achieved through multiple discrete projections distributed along the case inner wall rather than a single complex structure. Each projection is a simple geometric element, and their collective arrangement provides the necessary flow uniformity without requiring complex individual components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the hollow fiber membrane bundle is inserted in a resin mesh tube to prevent deformation, then membrane alignment stability improves, but the manufacturing cost and operational cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemembrane alignment stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The resin mesh tube is completely removed from the design, extracting the unnecessary intermediate component that added cost and complexity. The case with integrated rectification projections directly provides the membrane support and alignment function, eliminating the need for the separate tube structure and its associated manufacturing and assembly costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 design stabilizes the hollow fiber membranes, prevents air leakage, and enhances the membrane separation effect by ensuring uniform air flow and maintaining the membrane's structural integrity without the need for a resin mesh tube, thus improving the module's efficiency and reducing manufacturing and operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

due to a membrane separation effect of the hollow fiber membrane, the moisture in the moist air is supplied to the dry air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMembrane separation effect: Semipermeable Membrane

Data Source

PatentUS11351504B2Hollow fiber membrane module

Publication Date: 2022.06.07 NOK CORP

AI summary

A hollow fiber membrane module includes: a tubular case; a hollow fiber membrane bundle; and a pair of sealing and fixing portions, in which an outside-membrane channel that passes by an outer wall of each of the hollow fiber membranes and an inside-membrane channel that passes through the hollow inside of each of the hollow fiber membranes are formed, moist air flows through the outside-membrane channel, and dry air flows through the inside-membrane channel, whereby moisture in the moist air is supplied to the dry air by a membrane separation effect of the hollow fiber membranes, wherein a plurality of spaces are disposed between the case inner wall and the hollow fiber membrane bundle, and a restriction portion that restricts the hollow fiber membrane from entering into the spaces is partially disposed between the hollow fiber membrane bundle and each of the spaces.