Electrodeposited Ionic Resin on Microporous Membranes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Microporous membranes with hydrophobic polymeric matrices and hydrophilic fillers lack effective surface treatments for enhancing filtration properties and treating ionic wastewater streams.

Innovation Solution

A method involving electrodepositing an ionic resin onto or within the pores of a microporous membrane with a polyolefin matrix and siliceous filler, using an electrical circuit to migrate the resin and integrate it into the membrane structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional microporous membranes with hydrophobic polymeric matrices and hydrophilic fillers are used, then the membrane structure provides porosity and basic filtration capability, but the membranes lack effective surface treatments for enhancing filtration properties and treating ionic wastewater streams

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidcapability to treat ionic wastewater

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the surface chemical parameters of the microporous membrane by electrodepositing ionic resins (cationic or anionic) onto the membrane surface. This modifies the surface charge density and chemical composition, enabling the membrane to effectively treat ionic wastewater streams through electrostatic interactions while maintaining its filtration efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by combining the original microporous membrane (polymer matrix with hydrophilic filler) with electrodeposited ionic resin layers. This composite material integrates the porosity and mechanical properties of the base membrane with the ionic exchange capabilities of the resin, achieving both enhanced filtration and ionic treatment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If electrodeposition of ionic resin is applied to enhance filtration and ionic treatment capabilities, then surface smoothness and filtration efficiency improve, but the process requires additional equipment and process complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface smoothnessVSAvoidelectrodeposition equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical surface treatment methods with an electrochemical approach. Instead of using mechanical polishing, coating, or chemical vapor deposition equipment, the invention uses electrodeposition - an electrochemical process that deposits ionic resin onto the membrane surface through controlled electrical current, achieving smooth surfaces with simpler and more controllable equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrodeposition process allows precise control of deposition parameters (current density, time, resin concentration) to achieve the desired surface smoothness and resin loading. By changing these parameters, the process optimizes surface quality while controlling material usage and process time, balancing manufacturing precision with process complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The resin-treated membranes exhibit improved surface smoothness, filtration efficiency, and capability to treat ionic impurities in wastewater streams, making them suitable for various applications including filtration and signage.

Implementation Method 1

passing electric current between the charged electrode and the counter electrode to cause the ionic resinous material to migrate to the microporous membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis