Cord Electrospinning for Stable Nanofiber Diameter Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing nanofibers through electrostatic spinning face challenges such as inconsistent fiber diameter, rapid degradation of polymer solutions, and high maintenance requirements, leading to reduced quality and increased production costs.

Innovation Solution

The method involves maintaining a stable active spinning zone position relative to the collecting electrode, with the liquid matrix being continuously applied and wiped off to ensure freshness and prevent residual buildup, allowing for continuous spinning without interruptions and optimizing the spinning process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the liquid matrix is continuously supplied to the spinning electrode without replenishment, then productivity increases, but the liquid matrix degrades quickly causing changes in fiber diameter and quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespinning production rateVSAvoidfiber diameter consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic replenishment of the liquid matrix to the spinning electrode during operation. When the liquid matrix level decreases or degradation is detected, the system automatically supplies fresh liquid matrix to maintain consistent fiber diameter and quality without interrupting the spinning process, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous production and material freshness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Manufacturing precision

If the spinning electrode is cleaned frequently to remove degraded liquid matrix, then fiber quality is maintained, but productivity decreases due to process interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiber quality consistencyVSAvoidspinning production rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous spinning operation by implementing automatic replenishment of fresh liquid matrix to the electrode surface during the process. This eliminates the need to stop production for cleaning or replenishment, as the system continuously maintains optimal liquid matrix conditions on the electrode, thereby maintaining fiber quality consistency without sacrificing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Strength

If wires are used to position the spinning electrode, then structural support is provided, but the wires negatively affect the electric field and require frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode structural supportVSAvoidelectric field stability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the problematic wire structure from the system and replaces it with a support mechanism that does not interfere with the electric field. The spinning electrode is positioned using alternative means (such as non-conductive supports or mechanical positioning systems) that provide structural support without disrupting the electric field uniformity, thereby eliminating the need for frequent maintenance and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 results in nanofibers with consistent diameters and improved quality, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and lowering production costs by maintaining the freshness of the liquid matrix and preventing degradation.

Implementation Method 1

method for spinning of the liquid matrix in electrostatic field between at least one spinning electrode and against it arranged collecting electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

device for production of nanofibres through electrostatic spinning of liquid matrix in electric field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic spinning: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 3

to which there is assigned a device for applying the liquid matrix, in that the liquid matrix is applied on the active spinning zone of the cord in electrostatic field during spinning

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS8231822B2Method for spinning a liquid matrix for production of nanofibres through electrostatic spinning of liquid matrix

Publication Date: 2012.07.31 ELMARCO SRO

AI summary

Method for spinning the liquid matrix (38) in electrostatic field between at least one spinning electrode (3) and against it arranged collecting electrode (4), while one of the electrodes is connected to one pole of high voltage source and the second electrode is connected to opposite pole of high voltage source or is grounded, at which the liquid matrix (38) being subject to spinning is to be found in electrostatic field on the active spinning zone (3100) of the cord (310) of the spinning means (31) of the spinning electrode (3). The active spinning zone (3100) of the cord during spinning process has a stable position towards the collecting electrode (4) and the liquid matrix (38) to the active spinning zone (3100) of the cord is delivered either by application to the active spinning zone (3100) of the cord or by motion of the cord (310) in direction of its length. The invention further relates to the device for production of nanofibres and to the spinning electrode (3), whose active spinning zone (3100) of the cord in the carrying body (32) of the spinning electrode (3) has a stable position and to the cord (310) there is assigned the device (37) for application of the liquid matrix (38) to the cord (310), which is arranged in the carrying body (32) of the spinning electrode (3).