Flexible-Wire Micro-Nano Patterning for Precise Wire Deposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for manufacturing micro-nano wires are costly, complex, and limited in pattern transferability, with the drip method having a low success rate and uncontrollable shape, direction, and position of nanoscale patterns.

Innovation Solution

A micro-nano wire manufacturing device featuring a liquid-phase nanomaterial storage device with a micro-nano wire applying mechanism using flexible wires or animal hairs that hang down to a substrate, allowing controlled deposition of liquid-phase nanomaterials to form uniform micro-nano wires with adjustable width and thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If photolithography, micro-contact printing, or inkjet printing methods are used to manufacture micro-nano wires, then certain designed patterns can be transferred to the substrate, but the manufacturing process becomes costly and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern transfer accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential function of pattern transfer by using flexible wires to directly deposit liquid-phase nanomaterials, eliminating the complex photolithography, micro-contact printing, or inkjet printing processes while achieving the core objective of pattern formation on substrates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses simple, inexpensive flexible wires (such as animal hairs) as the applying mechanism instead of expensive and complex printing equipment, achieving cost-effective micro-nano wire manufacturing with adequate functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Manufacturing precision

If photolithography, micro-contact printing, or inkjet printing methods are used, then some designed patterns can be manufactured, but the method is limited in pattern transferability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern design capabilityVSAvoidpattern type limitation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible wire applying mechanism can deposit liquid-phase nanomaterials in various patterns by adjusting the wire configuration and movement, enabling universal applicability for different pattern designs including linear, branched, and curved structures without being limited to predetermined patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic control of the flexible wires through displacement mechanisms that can adjust the position, angle, and movement of the wires, enabling versatile pattern formation capabilities while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the drip method is used to manufacture nanoscale patterns, then nanoscale patterns can be produced, but the success rate is low and the area is small

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenanoscale pattern capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the uncontrolled drip method with a controlled mechanical system using flexible wires that can precisely deposit liquid-phase nanomaterials, significantly improving the success rate and reliability of nanoscale pattern manufacturing while maintaining nanoscale precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates displacement mechanisms and angle control systems that provide feedback control for the flexible wires, ensuring precise and repeatable deposition of nanoscale patterns with high success rates by monitoring and adjusting wire position and movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables rapid, accurate, and scalable production of micro-nano wires with controlled physical and chemical properties, suitable for various substrate shapes, including flexible or curved ones, with reduced manufacturing costs and complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The micro-nano wire applying mechanism includes at least two flexible wires. The roots of the flexible wires are secured to the liquid-phase nanomaterial storage device. One ends of the two flexible wires hang down to a substrate and abut against each other.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS12260972B2Micro-nano wire manufacturing device and micro-nano structure

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 XIAN JIAOTONG LIVERPOOL UNIV

AI summary

Provided are a micro-nano wire manufacturing device and a micro-nano structure. The micro-nano wire manufacturing device includes a liquid-phase nanomaterial storage device and a micro-nano wire applying mechanism. The liquid-phase nanomaterial storage device is provided with a liquid outlet. The micro-nano wire applying mechanism is provided in one-to-one correspondence with the liquid outlet. The micro-nano wire applying mechanism includes at least two flexible wires. The roots of the flexible wires are secured to the liquid-phase nanomaterial storage device. One ends of the two flexible wires hang down to a substrate and abut against each other. The range of the angle between the projections of the two flexible wires on the substrate is 1° to 5°.