Modular Flow System Welded Frame Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular flow systems are expensive to assemble and limited in versatility, requiring costly screwing and stacking of plate elements to achieve necessary sealing pressure, which restricts their ability to form a variety of functional units.
Innovation Solution
A modular flow system comprising frame elements with outer frames, passage openings, and central inner regions with welded web structures, allowing for the connection of different functional units like membrane distillation stages, steam generators, and heat exchangers through welding, enabling the creation of various designs with foils or membranes to form energy and material exchange units efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plate elements are joined via seals and screwed together to apply sealing pressure, then sealing reliability is improved, but assembly cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical screwing system with a welding system. Frame elements are welded together using welding web structures instead of being screwed together, eliminating the need for complex mechanical fastening while maintaining structural integrity and sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sealing function into the welding joint itself. The welding web structures create both structural connection and sealing simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate seal components and reducing assembly complexity.
2Stress or pressure
If multiple plate elements are stacked and screwed together, then necessary sealing pressure is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fastening systems with welding, eliminating the need for expensive screws, seals, and complex assembly processes. The welding web structures provide both structural connection and pressure distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection method from mechanical (screws) to thermal (welding), fundamentally altering how sealing pressure is achieved and maintained while reducing overall manufacturing costs.
3Device complexity
If frame elements are designed with welded web structures, then assembly cost and complexity are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates welding web structures directly into the frame element design during manufacturing. The web structures are pre-formed with precise geometry and positioning, ensuring that when elements are welded together, the required precision is already built into the components themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The welding web structures serve multiple functions: structural connection, sealing, and alignment guidance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process while maintaining precision requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular flow systems use standardized plate elements, then versatility is improved, but assembly cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs frame elements with universal welding web structures that can be configured for different functional units (membrane distillation stages, steam generators, condensers, heat exchangers). The same basic frame element design can serve multiple purposes by varying the welding configuration and membrane placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the flow system into modular frame elements that can be independently manufactured and then welded together in different configurations. This segmentation allows for versatile functional units while maintaining cost-effective standardized manufacturing of individual components.
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 modular flow system allows for the cost-effective and reliable production of diverse functional units by welding frame elements, reducing assembly costs and enhancing versatility, enabling the creation of complex systems like multi-effect membrane distillation stages and steam generators with integrated heating circuits.
Implementation Method 1
The frame elements are provided on both sides with a welding web structure, which delimits a area comprising the passage openings, the vacuum passage opening and the central inner region and which also delimits at least two areas each comprising a vapor and/or fluid channel
Implementation Method 2
A modular flow system with a plurality of frame elements which, in order to form different functional units such as in particular a membrane distillation stage
Implementation Method 3
The central inner area of a respective frame element is preferably provided with a particularly grid-like spacer
Implementation Method 4
The individual frame elements can be connected to one another via the welding web structures, in which case, for example, a friction welding method, laser welding method and/or heating element welding method can be used
Implementation Method 5
The individual frame elements can be connected to one another via the welding web structures, in which case, for example, a friction welding method, laser welding method and/or heating element welding method can be used
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a modular flow system comprising a plurality of frame elements which can be combined by means of welded web structures to various stacks comprising in each case at least two, in particular at least ten frame elements, in order to form different functional units such as in particular a membrane distillation stage, a steam generator, a condenser, a heat exchanger, a filter and/or a pervaporation stage. The frame elements according to the invention comprise in each case an outer frame provided with passage openings and vapour and/or fluid channels as well as a central inner region surrounded by the outer frame. Moreover, each frame element is provided on both sides with a welded web structure that delimits, on the one hand, the region comprising the passage openings and the central inner region and, on the other hand, at least two regions, each comprising a vapour and/or fluid channel.