Hollow-Fiber Membrane Filter Support Ring Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hollow fiber membrane filters used in extracorporeal blood treatment face material strain and fractures during steam sterilization due to different expansion rates of the housing, potting mass, and hollow fiber membranes.
Innovation Solution
The use of a support ring with a circumferential projection that rests on the terminal edges of the cylindrical housing, decoupling the potting mass from direct contact with the housing, thereby minimizing material stress during steam sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the hollow fiber membranes are potted directly into the housing without a support ring, then the structure is simpler, but the potting mass experiences high material strain and fractures during steam sterilization
Solution Approach 1:
A support ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the housing and the potting mass. The support ring receives the hollow fiber membranes and provides a stable base for the potting mass, thereby mediating the interaction between the housing and potting mass during thermal expansion in steam sterilization. This prevents direct stress transmission to the potting mass while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The end portion of the housing is segmented into distinct functional zones: a support ring structure for holding membranes, a potting mass area for securing membrane ends, and a housing body. This segmentation allows each component to independently handle specific stresses during sterilization without compromising the entire structure.
2Reliability
If a support ring is introduced to protect the potting mass, then fracture resistance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring is merged with the housing structure, where the support ring forms an integral part of the housing's end portion. This merging allows the support ring to function as both a structural support element and a housing component, reducing the need for separate complex assemblies while maintaining protection against thermal stress.
3Ease of manufacture
If the potting mass is in direct contact with the housing, then manufacturing is simpler, but material strain during steam sterilization causes fractures and production delays
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring serves as a mediator that simplifies the potting process by providing a ready-made receptacle for the hollow fiber membranes. The potting mass only needs to be applied to the support ring rather than directly to the housing, making the manufacturing process easier while preventing stress-induced fractures during sterilization.
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 minimizes fractures in the potting mass and enhances the resilience of the hollow fiber membrane filters during steam sterilization, reducing production costs and delays.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the different materials used in the manufacture of the hollow fiber membrane filter, the individual components of the hollow fiber membrane filter expand at different rates. Plastics consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester such as PET or PBT, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene or polycarbonate are commonly used for the housing of a hollow fiber membrane filter. Polyurethane is usually used for the potting material. Polymers of polysulfones and polyvinylpyrrolidones are predominantly used as materials for the hollow fiber membranes. Significant material strain therefore can occur within the hollow fiber membrane filter during the steam sterilization process.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a hollow fiber membrane filter comprising a plurality of hollow fiber membranes and at least two support rings, wherein the hollow fiber membranes are each enclosed by a respective support ring in a respective end portion of the hollow fiber membrane filter and are cast in a potting mass, wherein the respective support rings have a circumferential projection arranged at the upper edge which projects beyond the outer side of the circumferential side wall of a respective support ring, and wherein the circumferential projection rests on the respective terminal edges of the first and second end portions of the cylindrical housing of the hollow fiber membrane filter.