Tubular Filter Connection Device for Thermal Expansion Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filtration systems face challenges in easy handling, low-maintenance operation, and compensating for thermal material expansion, leading to material stresses and defects, especially in assemblies of tubular filter modules used in water treatment and dialysis systems.

Innovation Solution

A connection device for tubular filter modules that allows for easy installation and replacement, featuring a connector piece with guide parts having S-shaped guide surfaces to align and secure the filter module without tilting, and movable coaxial connections to absorb thermal expansion without material stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If tubular filter modules are connected via rigid connecting pipes to form a stable assembly structure, then the assembly gains structural stability and compactness, but thermal expansion of the filter modules causes material stresses and structural defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly structure stabilityVSAvoidfluid-carrying system reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device incorporates movable connecting elements that allow dynamic adjustment and movement between filter modules, enabling the system to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction of the tubular filter modules while maintaining fluid connection and structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device allows for changes in the physical state and position of connecting elements, permitting movement and position changes that accommodate thermal expansion of the filter modules without creating harmful stresses in the fluid-carrying system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If filter modules are permanently connected in a fixed assembly to maintain stable fluid connections, then the system achieves structural compactness, but replacement of individual modules becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid connection stabilityVSAvoidfilter module replacement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The filtration system is divided into modular units with standardized connection devices that allow individual filter modules to be independently connected and disconnected, enabling easy replacement of defective modules without affecting the entire assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device is designed with universal features that permit both secure fluid connection during operation and straightforward disconnection for maintenance, serving multiple functions of stability and serviceability through a single standardized interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the connection device uses fixed rigid connections to ensure stable fluid flow, then the system maintains connection reliability, but it cannot accommodate thermal expansion of filter modules

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid connection reliabilityVSAvoidthermal expansion accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device acts as an intermediary element between the filter modules and the fluid-carrying system, absorbing and mediating the effects of thermal expansion through movable components that prevent stress transmission to the rigid fluid pathways

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables simple replacement of filter modules and compensates for thermal expansion, reducing material stresses and maintaining fluid connections, thus enhancing the reliability and longevity of filtration systems.

Implementation Method 1

at least one first guide element (202) with a proximal end (202a) and a distal end (202b), wherein the side of the guide part (202) facing the receiving area (205) and having the guide surface (207) is designed in an S-shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical guidance:

Implementation Method 2

The longitudinal expansion of the tubular filter modules must be accommodated by the transverse connecting pipes, which leads to material stresses and, in particular, to structural stresses within the filter module assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3668637B1Connection device for a tubular filter module

Publication Date: 2024.01.17 FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a connection device for receiving and connecting filter modules, particularly tubular filter modules, to at least one lateral, particularly radial connector, a connecting mechanism of the connection device connecting the filter module to the lateral connector and fixing it in the connection device. Other connecting mechanisms of the connection device are used to connect connectors that are coaxially arranged on the filter module, the coaxial connectors not being fixed by the other connecting mechanisms.