Cloud Tower Inserts for Adjustable Deposition Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cloud deposition towers require redesigning to alter the size or shape of the deposition field, leading to unwanted variations in particle distribution and activity on porous substrates, especially when using masks which distort the particle flow.

Innovation Solution

A cloud tower with hinged flaps or selectable inserts allows for adjustable deposition fields without changing the tower structure, enabling alteration of the size and shape of the deposition area by using flaps or inserts that fit within the primary tower, allowing for various shapes and sizes such as rectangles, circles, or ovals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If masks are used to alter the deposition field size or shape, then the deposition area can be adjusted, but the particle flow distribution becomes distorted causing wavelets and variation in localized magnitude

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeposition field size adjustmentVSAvoidparticle distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cloud tower is divided into a permanent outer structure and removable inner inserts. The inserts are separate segments that can be exchanged to change deposition field configuration without modifying the main tower structure or using masks that disturb particle flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Removable inserts are nested within the permanent cloud tower structure. These inserts define the active deposition field while being contained within the larger tower, allowing field size and shape adjustment without altering the outer structure or introducing flow-disturbing masks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cloud tower structure is redesigned to alter deposition field size, then the deposition area changes, but the entire tower must be modified affecting the deposition process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeposition field configurationVSAvoidtower structure modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cloud tower system is segmented into a permanent outer shell and interchangeable inner inserts. This allows the deposition field configuration to be changed by swapping inserts rather than redesigning the entire tower, reducing structural complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, fixed deposition field to a dynamic, adjustable configuration through removable inserts. This allows the deposition field size and shape to be changed without permanent structural modifications to the tower.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If masks are applied to limit vacuum application area, then the deposition field size is reduced, but local distortion occurs at the mask/substrate interface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeposition field size controlVSAvoiddeposition process quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the vacuum application area from the deposition field definition. Inserts define the deposition field without interfering with vacuum application, eliminating interface distortion while maintaining field size control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable inserts act as intermediaries that define the deposition field boundaries without directly interacting with the substrate or vacuum system. This mediates between the vacuum application and particle deposition, preventing local distortion at interfaces.

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

This solution allows for precise control over the deposition field without affecting the cloud deposition process, ensuring uniform particle distribution and activity on substrates, applicable to various mixtures of microscopic particles, including catalyst and TEFLON® on porous carbon substrates.

Implementation Method 1

Mixtures of micron-sized particles, such as platinum and TEFLON®, are impelled within a cloud deposition tower by means of pressurized inert gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressurized gas flow: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the gas being drawn off through the pores by vacuum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Vacuum

Implementation Method 3

drawn off through the pores

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPorosity: Porosity

Implementation Method 4

which is attached to the bottom of the work table, to attract and thereby distribute the particles throughout the target area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum attraction: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS10413932B2Deposition cloud tower with an insert for adjusting the deposition area

Publication Date: 2019.09.17 HYAXIOM INC

AI summary

A cloud tower (11) receives microscopic particles (18) impelled by an inert gas (17) for deposition on a porous substrate (29) having vacuum (34) disposed on opposite side. To alter the size and/or shape of the deposition field without changing the entire tower structure, a pair of flaps (43, 44) are hinged (47, 48) on one side or on a pair of opposed sides of the cloud primary tower. Another embodiment places selectable tower inserts (36, 38) within the primary tower structure, fitting therein and sealing thereto.