Electrospinning Head Nozzle Cleaning via Electrostatic Suction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrospinning apparatuses face challenges in effectively cleaning the nozzles due to deposits of fiber and material liquid, which hinder efficient fiber film formation and require an efficient method to remove these deposits without damaging the nozzles.

Innovation Solution

The electrospinning head features an uneven surface around the ejection port on the nozzle, allowing for minimized contact area with deposits, and a controller-driven suction system that electrifies and removes deposits using a voltage without a solvent, preventing nozzle damage and ensuring efficient cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the nozzle is cleaned using conventional methods (solvent or mechanical contact), then deposits are removed, but the nozzle may be damaged or broken

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle integrityVSAvoidcleaning efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based cleaning methods with an electrostatic field-based cleaning system. A high-voltage power supply generates an electrostatic field that attracts deposits from the nozzle surface without physical contact, eliminating mechanical stress and solvent damage while effectively removing deposits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electrostatic field as an intermediary between the cleaning system and the nozzle. The electrostatic field acts as a non-contact mediator that transfers momentum to deposits for removal without requiring direct mechanical contact or chemical solvents, thus protecting the nozzle while achieving cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the nozzle surface is smooth, then material ejection is stable, but deposits accumulate more easily and are harder to remove

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeposit removal efficiencyVSAvoidmaterial ejection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating an electrostatic field specifically at the nozzle region where deposits need removal, while maintaining the overall smooth surface structure for stable material ejection. The electrostatic cleaning action is localized to the nozzle surface without requiring modification of the bulk nozzle geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical surface texture modifications with an electrostatic field-based deposit removal system. Instead of changing the nozzle surface geometry to prevent deposits, the electrostatic field provides a non-contact mechanism to remove deposits while preserving the smooth surface needed for stable material ejection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If cleaning is performed frequently, then nozzle cleanliness is maintained, but production time is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenozzle cleanlinessVSAvoidproduction time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous or near-continuous cleaning operation by using the electrostatic field method that can be applied rapidly without mechanical setup or solvent drying time. The high-voltage power supply can be activated quickly to remove deposits, minimizing interruption to the fiber film formation process and maintaining both nozzle cleanliness and production efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 enables effective and efficient cleaning of the electrospinning head, reducing the time required for stable material ejection and preventing nozzle breakage, thereby improving the efficiency of fiber film formation.

Implementation Method 1

A voltage is applied to the nozzle and a material liquid is supplied to the electrospinning head so as to electrify the material liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrification: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a voltage is applied to the nozzle so that the deposits on the nozzle are electrified, while the suction unit is operated so that the electrified deposits are removed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrification: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the suction unit is operated so that the electrified deposits are removed through the suction head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS11655562B2Electrospinning head, electrospinning apparatus, and cleaning method of electrospinning head

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

According to an embodiment, an electrospinning head includes a nozzle and an uneven surface. The nozzle is made from an electrically conductive material, and a flow path is formed inside the nozzle. On the outer surface of the nozzle, an ejection port capable of ejecting a material liquid supplied to the flow path is formed. The uneven surface is formed in the vicinity of the projection port on the outer surface of the nozzle, and an uneven shape of the uneven surface is formed around the entire circumference of the circumferential direction of the nozzle and is along the extending direction of the flow path.