Electrospinning Nozzle Head with Segmented Ring Gap for Uniform Deposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current nanofiber manufacturing devices face challenges in reducing manufacturing time and improving mass productivity, particularly in electrospinning processes where the ejected liquid often spreads unevenly due to nozzle structure, leading to inefficient deposition on targets.

Innovation Solution

The nanofiber manufacturing device incorporates a nozzle head with a gap portion having a substantially circular ring shape at its tip, which enhances the formation of a Taylor cone and facilitates continuous ejection of the solution, improving the even deposition of nanofibers on targets by controlling the electrostatic force and surface tension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional nozzle structures are used in electrospinning, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ejected liquid spreads unevenly leading to poor deposition uniformity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeposition uniformityVSAvoidnozzle structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle tip is segmented into multiple ejector holes arranged in a specific pattern, allowing the liquid to be ejected from multiple points simultaneously. This segmentation enables more uniform distribution of the ejected liquid on the target surface, resolving the contradiction between deposition uniformity and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ejector holes are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern on the nozzle tip surface rather than using a single central hole. This dimensional change allows the liquid to be ejected across a broader area, achieving more uniform deposition while maintaining a relatively simple nozzle structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If conventional single-hole nozzles are used, then the device structure is simple, but the manufacturing time is long and productivity is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenanofiber production rateVSAvoidnozzle structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle tip is divided into multiple ejector holes that can operate simultaneously, increasing the amount of liquid processed per unit time. This multi-hole configuration directly boosts nanofiber production rate while keeping each individual hole simple in structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple ejection functions are merged into a single nozzle component by arranging multiple ejector holes on the same tip. This allows parallel processing of multiple liquid streams simultaneously, enhancing productivity without requiring multiple separate nozzle assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If high voltage is applied to achieve rapid ejection, then productivity improves, but the ejected liquid spreads unevenly due to instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveejection speedVSAvoiddeposition uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the ejection into multiple independent holes, each hole can be optimized for stable liquid flow control. The segmentation allows high voltage to be applied effectively to each small aperture, achieving rapid ejection while maintaining better control over liquid distribution and reducing spreading instability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design reduces manufacturing time and enhances mass productivity by ensuring consistent and efficient formation and deposition of nanofibers, improving the yield and uniformity of the nanofiber production process.

Implementation Method 1

a power generator applies a voltage between the ejector and the target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

The ejected liquid is electrically stretched in space to form a nanofiber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrohydrodynamics: Electrohydrodynamics

Implementation Method 3

The gap portion has a substantially circular ring shape... which enhances the formation of a Taylor cone and facilitates continuous ejection of the solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface tension: Surface Tension

Data Source

PatentEP3235928B1Apparatus and method for producing nano-fibers
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP3235928B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3235928B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3235928B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

According to the embodiment, a nanofiber manufacturing device that includes an ejector and a power generator is provided. The ejector ejects a solution from a head portion toward a target. The power generator generates a potential difference between the head portion and the target. The head portion has a first surface and a second surface between which is a gap where the solution is maintained.