Carbon Nanotube Sheet Shrinkage Prevention via Segmented Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Carbon nanotube sheets shrink in the width direction when subjected to treatments like exposure to liquid vapor in a free-standing state, leading to loss of structural integrity and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A modification method involving a specific assembly with non-contacting and contacting sections, where the carbon nanotube sheet is mounted and exposed to steam or particles of a substance at room temperature, preventing shrinkage by controlling the alignment and bundling of carbon nanotubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the carbon nanotube sheet is subjected to treatment in a free-standing state, then the treatment can be applied uniformly, but the carbon nanotube sheet shrinks in the width direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a support substrate with a specific pattern structure to support the carbon nanotube sheet during treatment. The support substrate acts as a rigid backing that prevents the thin, flexible carbon nanotube sheet from shrinking in the width direction while still allowing the treatment to be applied uniformly to the exposed regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support substrate is designed with a pattern of contacting sections and non-contacting sections, creating a segmented structure. This segmentation allows different regions of the sheet to have different degrees of freedom - contacted regions are constrained while non-contacted regions remain accessible for treatment, preventing overall shrinkage while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the carbon nanotube sheet is mounted on a support substrate, then shrinkage is prevented, but the treatment application becomes restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The support substrate is divided into contacting sections that prevent shrinkage and non-contacting sections that allow treatment access. This segmentation strategy simultaneously achieves dimensional stability where needed and operational accessibility where required, resolving the contradiction between support and treatment application.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the support substrate have different properties - contacting sections provide mechanical support and constraint, while non-contacting sections provide openness for treatment. This local differentiation of properties allows the system to simultaneously achieve both dimensional stability and treatment accessibility in different locations.
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
The method effectively prevents shrinkage of the carbon nanotube sheet, enhancing its light transmissivity and reducing sheet resistance, making it suitable for applications such as vehicle windows and mirrors.
Implementation Method 1
exposing the carbon nanotube sheet on the assembly to steam or particles of a substance that is liquid at room temperature
Implementation Method 2
exposing the carbon nanotube sheet on the assembly to steam or particles of a substance that is liquid at room temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In a modification method of a carbon nanotube sheet, an assembly includes a mounting section for the carbon nanotube sheet including a non-contacting section not brought into contact with the carbon nanotube sheet and a contacting section brought in contact with it. L1 is a maximum distance across the non-contacting section between intersection points of a straight line crossing the non-contacting section in parallel with an alignment direction of the carbon nanotubes in a plan view of the mounting section with a border between the non-contacting section and the contacting section. L2 is a maximum distance across the non-contacting section between intersection points of a straight line crossing the non-contacting section and intersecting the alignment direction of the carbon nanotubes in the plan view of the mounting section with the border between the non-contacting section and the contacting section. When L1 is larger than L2, at least L2 is more than 0 mm and less than 10 mm. When smaller, at least L1 is more than 0 mm and less than 10 mm. When equal, L1 and L2 are each more than 0 mm and less than 10 mm.