Ignitable Solid with Periodic Reactant Array
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Controlling the spacing within ignitable solids to achieve efficient mixing and rapid chemical reactions is challenging, particularly at nanometer- or micrometer-scales, as existing fabrication methods are dependent on the type of reactants and experimental factors, leading to a need for additional methods and compositions with controlled spacing and dimensions.
Innovation Solution
An ignitable solid with a three-dimensional scaffold containing a plurality of ignitable regions, where reactants are arranged in a periodic or aperiodic structure, allowing for precise control of reactant spacing and dimensions through methods like atomic layer deposition, vapor deposition, and etching, enabling exothermic reactions and tailored reaction rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional fabrication methods are used to control reactant spacing, then the spacing can be adjusted to some extent, but the control precision is insufficient at nanometer- or micrometer-scales and depends heavily on reactant type and experimental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of fabrication approach by transitioning from conventional chemical/physical mixing methods to a lithographic patterning method. This allows precise spatial control of reactants at nanometer to micrometer scales through defined geometric patterns, achieving manufacturing precision independent of reactant type while maintaining versatility across different material systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical mixing and chemical deposition methods with a lithographic system that uses light patterns to define reactant locations. This substitution enables precise control of reactant spacing through optical patterning rather than relying on mechanical assembly or chemical self-organization, which are limited by reactant-specific properties.
2Productivity
If reactants are closely spaced to promote efficient mixing and rapid reaction, then reaction efficiency improves, but fabrication difficulty increases due to the need for precise nanometer- or micrometer-scale spacing control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the solid into a periodic array of discrete regions, each containing spatially separated reactants. This segmentation allows close spacing of reactive interfaces to enable rapid reactions while the periodic structure provides inherent fabrication simplicity through repetitive patterning, reducing overall device complexity compared to achieving the same effect through continuous heterogeneous mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating regions with high reactant interface density for rapid reaction, while maintaining a simplified overall periodic structure. The lithographic method provides local precision where needed (at reactant interfaces) without requiring complex fabrication throughout the entire material, thus achieving high reaction rates without proportional increases in fabrication complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a periodic array structure is implemented for precise reactant spacing, then manufacturing precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to the need for structured fabrication processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single lithographic patterning process that simultaneously defines multiple reactant regions with precise spacing throughout the solid. This multi-functional approach achieves manufacturing precision across the entire periodic array through one fabrication method, rather than requiring separate complex processes for each region, thus reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through a repeating lithographic pattern that defines the periodic array of reactant regions. This periodic fabrication approach simplifies the overall device structure by using the same pattern repeated throughout, reducing fabrication complexity compared to achieving precise spacing through aperiodic or customized structures, while maintaining high manufacturing precision through consistent pattern replication.
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 allows for controlled and efficient energy release and reaction propagation, providing a reliable point ignition and uniform heat release rate, enabling flexible and scalable production of ignitable materials for various applications, including fuses, igniters, and heat sources.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second reactants are configured to undergo an exothermic reaction
Implementation Method 2
fabrication methods to control such spacing depend on the desired spacing, the type of reactant(s), as well as other experimental factors
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the design and manufacture of an ignitable solid, where the solid is composed of an array of ignitable regions. In some examples, the array provides a three-dimensional periodic arrangement of such ignitable regions. The ignitable region can have any useful geometry and geometric arrangement within the solid, and methods of making such regions are also described herein.