Microfiber Assembly for Oil-Mist Filtration
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nanofiber nonwoven fabrics lack high filtering properties for oil-mist, are not water-resistant, and have complex manufacturing processes due to uneven fiber distribution and limited nozzle configurations.
Innovation Solution
A microfiber assembly with a fiber diameter of 3,000 nm or less, composed of a mixture of acetalized polyvinyl alcohol resin and fluorine resin, electro-spun using high-voltage spinning nozzles and a conductive collector plate, with nozzle arrays arranged to prevent electrical repulsion and ensure uniform distribution, and laminated on air-permeable fabrics for enhanced oil-mist resistance and water-resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If nanofiber nonwoven fabric is used for filtering, then fine particle filtration is achieved, but oil-mist filtering properties are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines nanofibers (for fine particle filtration) with microporous foam material (for oil-mist filtration) into a composite nonwoven fabric structure. The nanofiber layer captures fine particles while the microporous foam layer traps oil-mist, achieving both filtration functions simultaneously through material composition rather than single-material reliance
2Ease of manufacture
If water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers are used, then easy manufacturing is achieved, but water-resistance is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different layers: the nanofiber layer uses water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol for ease of manufacturing and fine particle capture, while the microporous foam layer uses hydrophobic material for water-resistance. Each layer performs its specific function with appropriate material characteristics rather than requiring the entire fabric to possess all properties
3Productivity
If multiple nozzles are arranged to increase production width, then productivity is improved, but electrical repulsion causes uneven fiber distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conductive substrate as an intermediary between multiple charging nozzles and the collected nanofibers. The conductive substrate provides a common electrical potential that prevents electrical repulsion between fibers from different nozzles, enabling uniform distribution across wide production areas while maintaining high productivity through multiple nozzle arrays
4Device complexity
If fixed nozzle arrays are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different production requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the nozzle arrays movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be repositioned along the conductor belt according to production requirements. This dynamic configuration enables adjustment of nozzle spacing, arrangement patterns, and active nozzle selection to match different production volumes, fabric widths, and design specifications while using a single versatile apparatus
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 resulting microfiber assembly provides high water-resistance and oil-mist resistance, facilitating the formation of filters with improved trapping efficiency for oil-mist and simplifying the manufacturing process by ensuring uniform fiber distribution and reducing nozzle complexity.
Implementation Method 1
under the effect of a high voltage impressed between the nozzles and the collector plate, the spinning solution discharged from the nozzles forms a sheet of microfiber assembly on the carrier sheet
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention aims to provide a sheet of microfiber assembly having a high filtering performance suitable as an oil-mist filter. A sheet of microfiber assembly 2 comprises microfibers 1 each having a fiber diameter of 3,000 nm or less and is formed of a mixture of water-insoluble but alcohol-soluble acetalized polyvinyl alcohol resin and water-insoluble but alcohol-soluble fluorine resin.