Tape Layer Application on Spiral Wound Module Periphery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying a tape layer to the outer periphery of spiral wound modules are time-intensive and impractical for longer modules due to the limited availability of wide tape rolls and increased adhesion difficulties, making it challenging to efficiently cover the outer surface of modules beyond 50 cm in length.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a tape layer from a roll where the length of the tape coincides with the module length, allowing for efficient coverage of the outer periphery, with the tape width being equal to or greater than the module's circumference, and using unrolled tape that is aligned and applied in a manner that forms a continuous layer, even for modules exceeding standard tape widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a relatively narrow width of tape is helically wound about the outer periphery of the module, then the tape can be applied using standard tape rolls, but the application process becomes time intensive due to the number of winds necessary to cover the outer periphery
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from helical winding (one-dimensional spiral path) to circumferential wrapping (two-dimensional coverage around the module). By making the tape width comparable to or larger than the module circumference, the tape can wrap around the module in a single pass, covering the entire outer periphery immediately rather than requiring multiple sequential winds.
2Productivity
If a relatively wide tape is used to cover the outer periphery in a single pass, then the application time is reduced, but the adhesion force becomes increasingly difficult to overcome for dispensing from the roll, especially for modules greater than 50 cm in length
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the tape application into multiple sequential circumferential passes rather than attempting to dispense one extremely wide tape in a single operation. The tape width is selected to be between 0.5 to 2 times the module circumference, allowing coverage in 1-4 wraps. This segmentation of the dispensing action into manageable increments maintains operational ease while achieving rapid coverage.
3Productivity
If the width of the tape roll is increased to match longer modules, then coverage efficiency improves, but the adhesion force necessary to dispense the tape from the roll increases making it practically limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the tape width parameter to be within a specific range (0.5 to 2 times the module circumference) rather than simply increasing it indefinitely. This parameter optimization balances coverage efficiency with dispensability, ensuring that the tape is wide enough to provide rapid coverage but not so wide that adhesion forces become unmanageable during dispensing from the roll.
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
This method enables efficient and practical application of a tape layer to spiral wound modules of various lengths, including those beyond 50 cm, by ensuring complete coverage and providing support during operation, while minimizing time and adhesion issues.
Implementation Method 1
Applicable tapes include pressure sensitive tapes applied from a roll
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A
AI summary
Means and methods for applying a tape layer from a roll to the outer periphery of a spiral wound module. In preferred embodiments the length of the tape coincides with the length of the module.