Capillary-Channel Self-Cleaning Devices for Particle Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices and apparatuses for fluid transfer require active cleaning steps to remove deposited particles, lacking self-cleaning capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A self-cleaning device with a 3D printed flexible surface featuring hydrophobic texture and internal micro-channels that utilize capillary force to drive contaminated fluid into internal chambers for automatic cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If active cleaning steps are used to remove particles from device surfaces, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and operational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning operation requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device surface performs self-cleaning by utilizing its own structural features (hydrophobic texture and capillary channels) to automatically remove particles through fluid interaction, eliminating the need for external active cleaning steps or additional cleaning mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical active cleaning systems with a passive physical-chemical system based on hydrophobic surface properties and capillary forces, substituting complex mechanical cleaning operations with natural fluid-surface interactions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If chemical cleaning methods are applied to remove contaminants, then cleaning efficiency is improved, but harmful chemical substances are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidchemical substance introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the naturally occurring fluid (water or other liquids) into a beneficial cleaning agent that removes particles without introducing harmful chemicals, transforming a neutral substance into a useful cleaning medium through the hydrophobic surface design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces chemical cleaning methods with a physical cleaning mechanism based on hydrophobic surface properties and capillary forces, eliminating the need for chemical agents while maintaining high cleaning efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If manual cleaning operations are performed, then particle removal is achieved, but labor requirements and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle removalVSAvoidmanual cleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device surface automatically performs particle removal through its hydrophobic texture and capillary channel structure, eliminating the need for manual cleaning operations and significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining effective particle removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Achieves up to 80% self-cleaning efficiency by harnessing capillary action to transport particles and bacteria off the surface, reducing the need for manual cleaning and chemical treatments.

Implementation Method 1

passing the aqueous fluid into the plurality of channels using capillary force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary force: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

A self-cleaning device with a 3D printed flexible surface featuring hydrophobic texture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS12409479B2Self-cleaning device and methods relating thereto

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS

AI summary

A self-cleaning device and methods relating thereto can include a base, a plurality of channels formed in a first surface of the base, where the plurality of channels divide the first surface of the base into a plurality of sections, a plurality of cavities formed within the base, where each cavity of the plurality of cavities are disposed adjacent a corresponding section of the plurality of sections, and one or more capillary channels formed between the first surface of the base on the corresponding section and the corresponding cavity.