Linear Core-Sheath Nanofibre Textile for Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing linear formations of nanofibres with convenient mechanical properties and distribution are inadequate for practical applications, particularly in filtering, due to issues like low tensile strength, uneven structure, and limited scalability.
Innovation Solution
A linear core-sheath type textile formation is developed, where a core composed of fibres or microfibres with protruding ends is coated with polymer nanofibres through electrostatic spinning, ensuring sufficient adhesion and a voluminous, non-compact sheath that covers gaps between cores, enhancing mechanical properties and filtration efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a planar layer of nanofibres is used for filtering, then the filtering effect is improved, but the pressure gradient increases disproportionately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar layer to a three-dimensional linear formation. The nanofibres are arranged in a linear configuration with cores and sheaths extending along a longitudinal axis, creating a volumetric filtering structure that reduces the pressure gradient while maintaining filtering effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear formation incorporates porous structures through the arrangement of multiple cores and sheaths, creating interconnected void spaces that allow fluid flow. The porous nature of the nanofibre sheath and the spaces between linear formations reduce resistance to flow, thereby lowering the pressure gradient required for filtering.
2Reliability
If the number of nanofibres per unit surface area is increased to improve filtering capacity, then the filtering effect is improved, but the structure becomes too dense and compact
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging nanofibres in a three-dimensional linear formation rather than a flat two-dimensional layer, the patent increases the effective filtering surface area without increasing planar density. Multiple cores and sheaths create a volumetric structure that accommodates more nanofibres while maintaining open spaces for fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear formation employs a core-sheath structure where nanofibre sheaths are nested around central cores. This nested arrangement allows multiple layers of nanofibres to be concentrated in a compact linear segment, increasing filtering capacity within a small volume while the overall linear structure maintains porosity through the arrangement of multiple such segments.
3Reliability
If linear formations with nanofibres are produced to increase filtering capacity, then the filtering effect is improved, but the tensile strength is insufficient for practical processing
Solution Approach 1:
The linear formation is constructed as a composite structure with an inner core made of one material and an outer sheath made of nanofibres. This composite design combines the mechanical strength properties of the core material with the filtering properties of the nanofibre sheath, resulting in a structure that has both high tensile strength and high filtering capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested core-sheath structure provides mechanical reinforcement. The inner core acts as a structural backbone that maintains the linear formation's integrity and provides tensile strength, while the outer nanofibre sheath provides filtering functionality. This nested arrangement allows the weak nanofibres to be protected by the stronger core material.
4Reliability
If electrostatic spinning is used to produce linear nanofibre formations, then the filtering properties are improved, but the final length is limited by electrode dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a continuous electrostatic spinning process where the linear formation is produced continuously along the longitudinal axis. The spinning electrode and collecting electrode are arranged to create a continuous electric field that deposits nanofibres continuously as the formation progresses, enabling production of very long linear structures limited only by the duration of the continuous process rather than electrode dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear formation is built up progressively through continuous deposition of nanofibres layer by layer along the longitudinal axis. Each segment of the linear formation serves as a foundation for subsequent segments, allowing the structure to extend indefinitely in length while maintaining structural integrity through the cumulative building process.
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 solution provides a filtering device with increased filtering capacity and reduced pressure gradient, allowing for a higher number of nanofibres per unit area without compromising mechanical strength, making it suitable for industrial use.
Implementation Method 1
electrostatic spinning of polymer solutions or melts, in which the nanofibres are formed by a force exerted by an electric field created between at least one collecting electrode and at least one spinning electrode
Implementation Method 2
polymer nanofibres are deposited on these fibres and joined with them by natural physical adhesion between said fibres and the nanofibres of the sheath
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention concerns a linear core-sheath type textile formation containing a sheath of polymer nanofibres with a core (1) composed of linear fibre and/or microfibre formation that contains at least 100 fibres (11) at least 1 mm long, protruding above its surface, per metre of its length. Th sheath (2) of polymer nanofibres is deposited to these fibres (11) and is jointed with them by natural physical adhesion between said fibres (11) and the nanofibres of the sheath (2). In addition, the invention concerns a filtering device containing at least one filtering layer that contains the linear core-sheath type textile formation, which is, for example loosely inserted or wound.