3D Microstructures With Embedded Anchoring For Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The formation of three-dimensional microstructures, such as coaxial transmission lines, faces issues with poor adhesion between structural elements made of different materials, leading to detachment under vibration or force, which degrades transmission performance and renders the device inoperable, especially in high-velocity applications.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a sequential build process that includes an anchoring portion with a change in cross-section to mechanically lock microstructural elements of different materials, ensuring secure engagement and preventing detachment, using techniques like metal deposition, sacrificial material processes, and photolithography to form coaxial transmission lines with dielectric support members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If dielectric support members are embedded in outer conductor sidewall, then structural support is provided, but poor adhesion causes detachment under vibration or force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dielectric support member is divided into two distinct portions: an embedded portion that extends into the outer conductor sidewall and an external portion that protrudes outward. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill different functions - the embedded portion provides mechanical anchoring while the external portion maintains support functionality, thereby resolving the adhesion problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support member transitions from a two-dimensional planar structure to a three-dimensional structure with depth penetration into the outer conductor. By extending the embedded portion into the sidewall, the design adds a depth dimension that significantly enhances mechanical interlocking and adhesion strength.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If different materials are used for structural elements, then functional performance is improved, but adhesion between materials deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial compatibilityVSAvoidinterfacial adhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The dielectric support member exhibits local quality differentiation through its two portions. The embedded portion is designed with properties optimized for bonding to the outer conductor material, while the external portion maintains properties suitable for its support function. This local differentiation allows optimal performance at each interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure functions as a composite system combining dielectric material with metal outer conductor. The embedded portion creates a composite joint that leverages the complementary properties of both materials, achieving strong interfacial adhesion while maintaining the functional benefits of material heterogeneity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If sequential build process is used, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess flexibilityVSAvoidfabrication steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The embedded portion of the dielectric support member is formed in advance during the sequential build process, before final assembly. This preliminary formation allows the support member to be pre-positioned and pre-bonded to the outer conductor, simplifying subsequent assembly steps despite the overall process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7649432B2Three-dimensional microstructures having an embedded and mechanically locked support member and method of formation thereof
Publication Date: 2010.01.19 NUVOTRONICS INC
  • US7649432B2 patent drawing
  • US7649432B2 patent drawing
  • US7649432B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are three-dimensional microstructures and their methods of formation. The microstructures are formed by a sequential build process and include microstructural elements which are mechanically locked to one another. The microstructures find use, for example, in coaxial transmission lines for electromagnetic energy.