Point-Bonded Adsorbent Particles for Exposed Surface Area Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adsorbent systems in automobile air conditioning systems have shortcomings, including incomplete surface area exposure of adsorbent particles, leading to reduced adsorption efficiency and potential for abrasion and plugging, as well as limitations in shape and filling efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A solid form adsorbent comprising discrete adsorbent particles spatially bound by a binder, with at least 25% of the external surface area remaining unsealed for adsorption, utilizing materials like zeolite or metal-organic frameworks, and formed into a monolithic structure through compression molding to ensure exposed adsorption sites and mechanical stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If adsorbent particles are fully bound by binder to ensure mechanical stability, then structural integrity is improved, but adsorption capacity deteriorates due to sealed surface areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidadsorption capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The binder is applied selectively to specific regions of the adsorbent particles rather than uniformly coating all surfaces. This localized binding approach ensures mechanical stability at particle junctions while preserving adsorption capacity by leaving most particle surfaces exposed and accessible to the refrigerant fluid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The binder content is controlled to provide just enough binding to maintain structural integrity without excessive binder that would seal off adsorption sites. The patent specifies binder content ranges (5-30 wt%) to achieve partial binding that balances mechanical stability with adequate adsorption capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Quantity of substance

If adsorbent particles are loosely bound to maintain high surface area exposure, then adsorption capacity is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadsorption capacityVSAvoidmechanical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The binder is concentrated at particle contact points and junctions rather than distributed uniformly across all surfaces. This localized application provides mechanical stability where needed while maintaining high surface area exposure for adsorption at the particle peripheries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The adsorbent structure maintains a porous, open framework where particles are bound only at necessary structural junctions. This porous arrangement preserves high surface area exposure while the strategic binder placement at structural nodes provides adequate mechanical stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Quantity of substance

If adsorbent particles are made smaller to increase surface area, then adsorption capacity is improved, but susceptibility to abrasion and plugging increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadsorption capacityVSAvoidabrasion and plugging

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple small adsorbent particles are bound together to form larger aggregate structures. This merging maintains the high surface area benefits of small particles while reducing individual particle susceptibility to abrasion and plugging by creating more robust composite structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adsorbent particles are formed with smooth, rounded surfaces rather than sharp edges. This spherical or spheroidal geometry reduces mechanical stress concentration points, minimizing abrasion during handling and installation while preventing plugging by reducing particle fragmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Ease of operation

If adsorbent is formed into monolithic structure to simplify installation, then ease of operation is improved, but filling efficiency may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidfilling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The monolithic adsorbent structure is segmented into multiple discrete particle components bound together. This segmentation allows the adsorbent to be formed into easy-to-install monolithic shapes while maintaining the filling efficiency of loose particles, as the segmented structure can flow and settle effectively during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solid form adsorbent enhances adsorption capacity, reduces wear and dust, and simplifies installation, offering improved efficiency and durability by maintaining exposed adsorption sites while ensuring mechanical integrity and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

the adsorbent particles are sintered to the binder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSintering: Sintering

Implementation Method 2

Adsorbent materials are widely used to remove water and certain other fluids, molecules, ions, or other contaminants from liquids and gasses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS10773239B2Solid form adsorbent

Publication Date: 2020.09.15 FLOW DRY TECH INC

AI summary

A solid form adsorbent including a plurality of discrete adsorbent particles spatially bound in place by point bonding by a binder. At least about 25% of the external surface area of a majority of the particles is not sealed off by the binder and is available for adsorption.