Oxygenator Intermediate Spacer Prevents Hollow Fiber Membrane Collapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oxygenators with wound hollow fiber membranes face issues of decreased heat exchange and gas exchange rates due to membrane lumen collapse when partition sections are inserted between the heat exchange and gas exchange units.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a cylindrical intermediate spacer between the heat exchange and gas exchange units, with at least one end portion of the spacer located outside the radial overlap of the partition sections, to create a gap for the partition section insertion, preventing lumen collapse and allowing adjustable thickness to maintain exchange rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the second hollow fiber membrane is wound around the outer surface of the first hollow fiber membrane and partition sections are inserted between the end portions, then the heat exchange unit and gas exchange unit can be assembled in the housing, but the lumen of the hollow fiber membranes collapses and heat exchange rate and gas exchange rate decrease
Solution Approach 1:
A partition section is introduced as an intermediary component between the heat exchange unit and gas exchange unit. This partition section includes a pressing portion that prevents the hollow fiber membranes from collapsing while allowing the units to be assembled together in the housing, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of assembly and maintenance of exchange rates
Solution Approach 2:
The partition section is designed with differentiated local structures: a pressing portion that contacts and supports the hollow fiber membranes to prevent collapse, and a non-interference portion that allows proper positioning and assembly. This local differentiation enables the partition to simultaneously support the membranes and facilitate assembly
2Shape
If the partition section is inserted between the end portions of the heat exchange unit and gas exchange unit, then the units can be positioned in the housing, but the radial pressure causes lumen collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The partition section features a pressing portion with specific local structural properties that provide radial support to the hollow fiber membranes. This localized structural enhancement at the contact point prevents lumen collapse while maintaining the overall positioning function of the partition section
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing portion of the partition section is designed in advance to provide cushioning support to the hollow fiber membranes before assembly is complete. This pre-positioned support structure prevents radial pressure from causing lumen collapse during the assembly and operation phases
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for manufacturing an oxygenator, an intermediate spacer is disposed between a cylindrical heat exchange unit configured by winding a first hollow fiber membrane and a cylindrical gas exchange unit configured by winding a second hollow fiber membrane so that a first gap is formed between one end portions of the heat exchange unit and the gas exchange unit, and a first partition section of a first cover member is inserted into the first gap. In such an oxygenator, a first end portion of the intermediate spacer is located at a part that does not overlap the first partition section in a radial direction in the heat exchange unit and the gas exchange unit. The intermediate spacer is formed by winding an intermediate hollow fiber membrane.