Hollow Fibre Winding Core Coupling for Residue-Free Drive Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing winding process for interlinked hollow fibers onto a core for mass and/or heat exchange devices is complex and requires a cumbersome adaptation to a drive, making it difficult to achieve quick and residue-free insertion into the exchange device.

Innovation Solution

A winding system with a coupling element that allows for a rotationally fixed connection between the winding core and a drive, utilizing a spreading mechanism to connect without axial movement, enabling easy adaptation and residue-free removal, and featuring a geometry adapted for direct insertion into the exchange device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a winding core is designed for direct insertion into the exchange device, then the insertion process is simplified and becomes residue-free, but the adaptation to a drive becomes more complex requiring additional coupling elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion processVSAvoiddrive adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element is divided into two distinct connection areas: a first connection area with a spreading element for connecting to the winding core, and a second connection area for connecting to the drive. This segmentation allows the coupling element to mediate between the simplified winding core design and the drive requirements, resolving the contradiction between easy insertion and drive adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling element acts as an intermediary component between the winding core and the drive. It provides the necessary mechanical interface without modifying the winding core itself, enabling the winding core to maintain its simple insertion design while still achieving rotationally fixed connection to the drive through the coupling element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a spreading mechanism is used to connect the coupling element to the winding core, then axial movement is avoided and connection is achieved without residue, but the connection mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection processVSAvoidconnection mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spreading element changes its radial dimension (parameter) when subjected to axial force. This parameter change allows the coupling element to expand radially and create a rotationally fixed connection with the winding core without requiring axial movement or leaving residues, achieving easy operation through a controlled parameter transformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If motorized winding is implemented, then winding efficiency and precision are improved, but the requirement for a coupling element increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewinding efficiencyVSAvoiddrive system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element serves multiple functions: it provides rotationally fixed connection to the drive, transmits rotational motion to the winding core, and enables easy assembly and disassembly. This multi-functionality allows motorized winding to be implemented without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single coupling element accomplishes multiple requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Facilitates quick and residue-free adaptation of the winding core to a drive, allowing for motorized winding and direct insertion into the exchange device, minimizing material abrasion and ensuring seamless operation.

Implementation Method 1

the first connection area of a coupling element comprises a spreading element, in particular whose outer cross-section can be enlarged by spreading

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpreading mechanism:

Data Source

PatentEP4142820B1Winding system for winding up concatenated hollow fibres onto a winding core
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 ENMODES
  • EP4142820B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4142820B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4142820B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a winding system for winding up concatenated hollow fibres, in particular substance-permeable and/or energy-permeable hollow fibres, onto a winding core (1), the system comprising a winding core (1) of an exchange device for the exchange of substances and/or heat between two media, in particular of an oxygenator and/or heat exchanger, onto which core concatenated hollow fibres can be wound, and which core is provided, in particular designed, to be inserted, together with the hollow fibres wound thereon, into the housing of the device, and to remain therein, and at least one coupling element (2), preferably two coupling elements (2), wherein the at least one coupling element (2) has two axially opposing connecting regions (2a, 2b) and is temporarily connected, by means of the first connecting region (2a), to the winding core (1) for conjoint rotation, and, by means of the second connecting region (2b), to a drive for conjoint rotation, by means of which drive the winding core (1) can be rotated about a winding axis (A), wherein the first connecting region (2a) of the coupling element (2) comprises an expansion element (2d), in particular the outer cross-section of which can be increased by expansion, and the winding core (1) has, in at least one axial end face, preferably in both axial end faces, a cut-out (1a) situated around the winding axis (A), into which cut-out the first connecting region (2a) of a coupling element (2) can be inserted, and, by means of expansion of the expansion element (2d), the winding core (1) can be connected to the coupling element (2) for conjoint rotation.