Coaxial Nozzle Architecture for Well-Defined Capsule Shell Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for fabricating multi-layered capsules with well-defined shell layers face significant challenges, making them less effective than desired.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial nozzle system is employed to create a compound flow comprising a core, annular, and sheath flow, with high-frequency vibration to facilitate the formation of double-layered capsules, using a crosslinking mechanism in a collection bath to stabilize the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If current techniques are used to fabricate multi-layered capsules, then single-layered encapsulation can be achieved, but multi-layered encapsulation with well-defined shell layers faces significant fabrication challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The fabrication process is segmented into distinct functional zones within the nozzle system: core channel for inner shell formation, annular channel for middle shell formation, and sheath channel for outer shell formation. Each channel independently delivers specific materials to create well-defined multi-layered shell structures, resolving the fabrication challenge by dividing the complex multi-layered encapsulation process into manageable sequential steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle system employs a nested configuration where the core channel is positioned within the annular channel, which is in turn positioned within the sheath channel. This nested structure enables simultaneous delivery of multiple materials in a controlled concentric arrangement, allowing precise formation of multiple shell layers with well-defined interfaces, directly addressing the manufacturing precision challenge.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a coaxial nozzle with multiple channels is used, then multi-layered capsules can be formed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coaxial nozzle system serves multiple functions simultaneously: the core channel delivers material for the inner shell, the annular channel delivers material for the middle shell, and the sheath channel delivers material for the outer shell. This multi-functional design enables a single device to create multi-layered capsules with different material compositions and properties, achieving high adaptability while managing complexity through integrated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges three separate material delivery functions into a single integrated coaxial nozzle assembly. By combining the core, annular, and sheath channels into one unified structure with common outlet, the system achieves multi-layered capsule formation capability without requiring three separate nozzles or complex positioning mechanisms, thus balancing versatility with manageable device complexity.
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 system effectively produces multi-layered capsules with a core-shell-shell structure, addressing the fabrication challenges and enabling controlled geometry through flow rate adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
delivering fluid to one or more of the core channel, the annular channel, and the sheath channel of the capsule fabrication system; forming a compound flow from the fluid delivered to the one or more channels, wherein the compound flow comprises one or more of a core flow, an annular flow, and a sheath flow
Implementation Method 2
introducing a vibration to the compound flow, developing the one or more capsules
Implementation Method 3
introducing the one or more capsules to a collection bath comprising a crosslinking agent; and crosslinking the one or more capsules to form one or more stabilized capsules
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for coaxial nozzles, capsule fabrication systems comprising coaxial nozzles, and methods of capsule fabrication using capsule fabrication systems. In certain embodiments, coaxial nozzle configurations, capsule fabrication systems, and methods as described herein can be used for multi-layered capsule fabrication.