The company was looking for a new design for a central tube connector for its spiral wound reverse osmosis (RO) membranes.
Organisers of the competition wanted an original means of connection that eliminated components, reduced cost and improved efficiency, while also accelerating the manufacturing process.
Entrants were asked for 3-D design ideas to simplify the spiral wound RO membrane assemblies in pressure-driven, spiral wound water filtration systems, by identifying a novel means of connecting the component tubing.
The winners of the GE Innovation Challenge: Innovative Central Tube Connections competition were: Tom Henninger, College of Engineering, University of Kentucky; Tom Goddu, Blazing Pencils; Sandy Richardson, Design Edge; Paul Santarsiero, Siero Design; Jan Bullemo, TNO.
