Single-Layer Humidifying Membrane Module With Integrated Potting Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional humidifying membrane modules for fuel batteries are heavy, expensive, and require a two-layer structure, leading to increased manufacturing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A single-layer structure humidifying membrane module with a hollow fiber membrane bundle integrated into a case using potting members to seal gaps, providing both internal and external flow passages, and utilizing sealing members to maintain liquid tightness and simplify assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-layer structure (module case and outer case member) is used to seal gaps, then sealing performance is improved, but weight increases and device size enlarges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the module case and outer case member into a single integrated case structure. The single case incorporates both the functions of containing the hollow fiber membrane bundle and providing sealing, eliminating the need for a separate outer case member. This integration reduces the number of parts, decreases weight, and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining sealing performance through properly designed sealing members positioned within the single case.
2Reliability
If a two-layer structure with separate module case and outer case member is used, then sealing is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple case components into a single integrated case, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This merger decreases manufacturing complexity, reduces the number of sealing interfaces required, and lowers overall manufacturing costs while maintaining the necessary sealing performance through optimized design of the single case structure and its integrated sealing members.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent strategically positions sealing members at specific critical locations within the single case structure, such as at the ends where the hollow fiber membrane bundle interfaces with the case. This targeted segmentation of sealing functions to key interfaces maintains effective sealing performance while minimizing the overall complexity and cost of the case structure.
3Reliability
If a two-layer structure is used to seal gaps, then liquid tightness is maintained, but assembly complexity and man-hour increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sealing function directly into the single case structure, eliminating the need for a separate outer case member and its associated sealing components. This merger simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of parts to be assembled and the number of sealing interfaces to be installed, while maintaining liquid tightness through properly positioned sealing members at critical interfaces within the unified case design.
4Reliability
If a two-layer structure with module case and outer case member is used, then gap sealing is achieved, but device size enlarges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the module case and outer case member into a single compact case structure that eliminates the gap between two separate layers. This integration removes the need for additional space that would be required to accommodate both layers and their interface, thereby reducing the overall module volume while maintaining effective gap sealing through strategically positioned sealing members within the unified case structure.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a humidifying membrane module that is reduced in weight, size and cost by making a case in a single layer structure, the humidifying membrane module has a hollow fiber membrane bundle constructed from plural hollow fiber membranes, a case accommodating the hollow fiber membrane bundle, a first flow passage extending through hollows of the hollow fiber membranes, and a second flow passage extending through the outer surface sides of the hollow fiber membranes, the membrane bundle and the case are simultaneously integrated at both ends of the membrane bundle by using potting members sealing gaps between the membrane bundle and the case, an inlet and an outlet constructing the first flow passage are formed at the both ends of the case respectively, and an entrance and an exit constructing the second flow passage are formed in side surfaces near the both ends of the case respectively.