Closed-Loop Liquid Polymer Application for Nanofibre Spinning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying liquid polymeric material in electrostatic spinning of nanofibres face issues such as clogging, difficulty in regulating polymer consumption, and inconsistent quality due to exposure to air, leading to evaporation and ageing of materials.
Innovation Solution
A method and device where the liquid polymeric material is applied around the circumference of the spinning cord without contact with the gaseous environment, using an application means that moves reversibly and ensures the material is only spun after leaving the application zone, preventing evaporation and maintaining uniformity through controlled flow and return of the material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If capillary application means are used to apply liquid polymeric material onto the cord, then the material can be delivered to the spinning zone, but the capillaries clog due to drying out and ageing of the liquid material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop system where the liquid polymeric material is continuously circulated through capillaries in an inert or controlled atmosphere environment. The material is pumped from a reservoir through capillaries that are positioned close to the cord surface, and excess material returns to the reservoir. This continuous circulation prevents the material from drying out and ageing, eliminating clogging while maintaining reliable material delivery to the spinning zone.
2Productivity
If application roller is used to apply liquid material onto multiple cords, then the material is carried from reservoir to cords, but spinning effect occurs on the roller surface itself
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the single application roller with multiple discrete capillary application means, with one capillary system assigned to each individual cord. This segmentation ensures that each cord receives material independently through capillaries positioned very close to its surface, preventing the material from accumulating on a large roller surface where unintended spinning could occur, while still maintaining efficient material application.
3Productivity
If application means moves frequently and fast to supply enough liquid material, then the spinning zone is adequately supplied, but the quality of polymeric material layer becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a continuous circulation system where liquid polymeric material is constantly pumped through capillaries and returned to the reservoir. This continuous flow ensures steady material supply to the spinning zone without requiring frequent or fast movements of application means. The consistent material flow maintains uniform layer quality while ensuring adequate supply to the spinning zone throughout operation.
4Ease of operation
If liquid polymeric material is exposed to air environment, then application is simplified, but solvent evaporates and material ages faster
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a closed-loop circulation system that operates in an inert or controlled atmosphere, preventing the liquid polymeric material from direct exposure to air. The material is continuously pumped through capillaries and returned to a sealed reservoir, eliminating solvent evaporation and slowing material ageing. This approach maintains operational simplicity while preventing substance loss through evaporation.
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 approach prevents solvent evaporation, slows down material ageing, and ensures a consistent quality of nanofibres by maintaining the liquid polymeric material in a closed environment, improving the uniformity and stability of the spinning process.
Implementation Method 1
capillary application means, into which there is brought liquid material is brought, which is forced out from them and sticks on the active spinning zone of the cord
Implementation Method 2
electrostatic spinning of liquid material in electrostatic field of high intensity between at least one spinning electrode and against it arranged collecting electrode
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for application of liquid polymeric material onto the active spinning zone of the cord of the spinning member of the spinning electrode, where the application means moving reversibly along the active spinning zone of the cord in the device for production of nanofibres through electrostatic spinning of liquid material in electrostatic field of high intensity between at least one spinning electrode and against it arranged collecting electrode. The liquid polymeric material is applied onto the cord around its whole circumference without any contact with gaseous environment in the spinning space, where the application means reversibly moves, whereas while the cord is leaving the application means the thickness of the layer of the liquid polymeric material is being reduced and immediately after leaving the application means the process of electrostatic spinning of the liquid polymeric material applied on the cord is started.