Modular Flow Frame Structure with Internal Struts for Larger Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of existing modular flow systems, such as those described in EP2427263 (A1), is far from optimal due to the configuration of frame elements that do not allow for a significant increase in efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The modular flow system incorporates frame elements with an outer frame surrounding an inner frame, featuring internal strut members that reinforce the structure and allow for larger vapor and/or liquid channels without compromising stability, enabling increased channel sizes and efficient utilization of the total area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the frame elements use a simple web structure without internal struts, then the manufacturing is easier and structure is simpler, but the channel size is limited and structural stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The frame element is divided into multiple functional regions: an outer frame, an inner frame enclosing a central inner region, and multiple vapor/liquid channels arranged between them. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently - channels can be enlarged for higher throughput while the inner frame and struts provide structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
Internal strut members are introduced as intermediary structural elements that connect the inner frame to the outer frame. These struts act as mediators that transfer and distribute mechanical loads, enabling the channels to be enlarged without compromising overall structural stability. The struts provide the necessary reinforcement while allowing larger channel cross-sections.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the frame walls are made thicker to increase structural stability, then the steadiness is improved, but the available area for channels and passage openings is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into outer frame, inner frame, and internal struts. This allows the load-bearing functions to be distributed across multiple elements rather than requiring thick walls. The inner frame and struts collectively provide the necessary structural support, enabling thinner outer walls and larger channel areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing wall thickness (one-dimensional solution), the patent adds internal structural elements in the third dimension - internal struts extending between the inner and outer frames. This three-dimensional structural reinforcement provides stability without reducing the two-dimensional channel area.
3Productivity
If the vapor and liquid channels are enlarged to increase output and efficiency, then the transport capacity is improved, but the structural reinforcement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame element is segmented into distinct functional zones: enlarged vapor/liquid channels for high productivity, a central inner region for membrane distillation, and internal strut members for structural reinforcement. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the others.
Solution Approach 2:
Internal strut members serve as intermediary support structures that enable channel enlargement. These struts provide the necessary structural reinforcement in the regions where channels are enlarged, allowing the channels to maintain larger cross-sections for improved vapor and liquid transport capacity.
4Area of stationary object
If the frame elements use a conventional single-frame structure, then the design is simpler, but the area utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The frame element is divided into an outer frame and an inner frame that encloses a central inner region. This segmentation creates multiple functional zones within the same footprint, maximizing area utilization. The space between the outer and inner frames is efficiently used for arranging vapor and liquid channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner frame is nested within the outer frame structure, creating a compact design that maximizes area utilization. The inner frame encloses the central inner region while the space between the nested frames accommodates the vapor and liquid channels, achieving efficient use of the total available area.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4C
Figure 5A~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a modular flow system having a plurality of frame elements (101, 102) configured to be combined together to form a stack for forming afunctional member such as in particular a membrane distillation stage, a vapor generator, a condenser, a heat exchanger, a filter and/or a pervaporation stage, wherein the frame elements (101, 102) each include: an outer frame (39) and an inner frame (43), the inner frame (43) encasing a central inner region (40) and being surrounded by the outer frame (39), passage openings (13 to 16) and vapor and/or liquid channels (17, 18) arranged between the outer frame (39) and the inner frame (43), wherein at least one of the vapor and/or liquid channels (17, 18) comprises at least one internal strut member (48) extending between the inner frame (43) and the outer frame (39).