Interchangeable Nozzle Plate for Customizable Polymer Fiber Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a highly customizable fiber spinning device that can finely tune the characteristics of fibers, such as diameter, shape, and pattern, to meet diverse applications.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a scaffold with pores and nozzles, where each pore and nozzle has a conjunction system that can be configured to allow or prevent fluid extrusion, enabling customizable fiber formation by adjusting the shape, size, and arrangement of the scaffold and nozzles, and using bi-channel electrospinning nozzles for forming bi-component fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed nozzle plate with predetermined pore sizes and arrangements is used, then the device structure is simple, but the fiber characteristics cannot be finely tuned
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle plate is divided into multiple interchangeable nozzle plates, each with different pore size, shape, and arrangement patterns. This segmentation allows the system to achieve fine control over fiber characteristics by selecting different nozzle plates, while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of fiber characteristics by allowing replacement of nozzle plates during operation or between batches. This dynamic reconfiguration capability provides fine control over fiber properties without requiring a completely complex device structure, as only the nozzle plate needs to be changed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a customizable fiber spinning device with multiple parameters is designed, then fiber characteristics can be finely tuned, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber spinning device is designed with universal components that can accommodate multiple nozzle plates with varying parameters. The main device structure remains unchanged while providing versatile fiber characteristics tuning through interchangeable nozzle plates, thus achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves fine control over fiber characteristics by changing parameters of the nozzle plate (pore size, shape, arrangement) rather than modifying the entire device. This parameter change approach provides high adaptability for fiber tuning while keeping the base device structure relatively simple and reusable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nozzle configurations are integrated into one device, then fiber production versatility improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Different nozzle configurations are separated into distinct interchangeable nozzle plates rather than being integrated into a single complex unit. This segmentation improves ease of operation by allowing simple replacement of entire nozzle plates rather than complex adjustments, while still providing versatile fiber production capability through the collection of different plates.
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 the precise control over fiber characteristics, allowing for tailored fiber diameters, shapes, and patterns, and the production of bi-component fibers with distinct properties, enhancing the versatility and performance of fibers in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
Streams of the viscous fluid exit via the spinnerets of the plate into air or a liquid, thereby leading to a phase inversion which allows the fluid to solidify into fiber form
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are customizable kits of parts for the fabrication of polymer fibers. In some embodiments, the kits provided herein comprise a scaffold comprising first and second opposite surfaces and one or more pores extending through the first and second surfaces, wherein each pore comprises a first channel and a first conjunction interface. The kits additionally comprise a plurality of nozzles, wherein each nozzle comprises a second channel and a second conjunction interface, and wherein the second interface can be removably and stably coupled to the first conjunction interface of each pore while allowing a fluid through the first channel and the second channel. The kits further comprise a plurality of closure structures, wherein each closure structure comprises a third conjunction interface, and wherein the third interface can be removably and stably coupled to the first conjunction interface of each pore to seal the pore. In some embodiments, at least the second channel of each nozzle has an internal diameter configured to allow formation of a fiber.