Nanofiber Jet Path Control for Solvent Evaporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nanofiber manufacturing methods face challenges in producing high-quality nanofibers due to insufficient solvent evaporation before the solution reaches the electrode, requiring increased voltage and apparatus size, which complicates the production process and can lead to undesirable discharges.
Innovation Solution
A nanofiber manufacturing apparatus with a determining unit that extends the flight path of the solution and nanofibers beyond the shortest path length, maintaining a constant distance between the effusing body and the charging electrode, allowing for controlled solvent evaporation and consistent voltage application, thereby ensuring favorable nanofiber production without increasing apparatus size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the distance between the nozzle and the electrode is extended to secure sufficient time for solvent evaporation, then the solvent evaporation is sufficient, but the apparatus size increases and the voltage needs to be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a curved flight path for the solution jet instead of a straight line between nozzle and electrode. By making the flight path curve toward the electrode, the solution travels a longer distance (enhancing evaporation) while the straight-line distance between nozzle and electrode remains short (keeping apparatus compact). This dimensional transformation of the flight path geometry resolves the contradiction between evaporation time and apparatus size.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the distance between the nozzle and the electrode is extended to secure sufficient time for solvent evaporation, then the solvent evaporation is sufficient, but the voltage to be applied needs to be increased
Solution Approach 1:
By curving the flight path, the patent decouples the relationship between evaporation time and voltage requirements. The curved path allows the solution to spend more time in flight (improving evaporation) without increasing the straight-line distance that determines the electric field strength and voltage requirements. Thus, sufficient evaporation is achieved without increasing the applied voltage.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the distance between the nozzle and the electrode is extended, then the solvent evaporation is sufficient, but the apparatus becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The curved flight path allows the solution to traverse a longer effective distance (enhancing evaporation time) while the physical footprint of the apparatus remains compact. The curvature adds path length without proportionally increasing the space occupied by the apparatus, thereby resolving the contradiction between evaporation time and apparatus compactness.
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
This approach enables the production of uniform high-quality nanofibers from different solutions and maintains quality consistency across varying manufacturing environments by prolonging solvent evaporation time and preventing undesirable discharges, using a compact apparatus design.
Implementation Method 1
The solution is charged and electrically stretched in flight so that nanofibers are produced
Implementation Method 2
the solution is explosively stretched into a line when the Coulomb force generated in the solution and repulsive to the surface tension of the solution surpasses the surface tension
Implementation Method 3
The solvent gradually evaporates from the charged solution while the solution effused into space is in flight
Implementation Method 4
produces nanofibers by electrically stretching a solution in space
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing nanofibers according to an aspect of the present invention by electrically stretching a solution in space and depositing the nanofibers in a given region includes: effusing the solution from an effusing body having an effusing hole which allows the solution to effuse in a direction; applying a given voltage between the effusing body and a charging electrode being conductive and disposed at a given distance from the effusing body, using a charging power supply configured to apply the given voltage; and determining a flight path of the solution and the nanofibers such that a length of the flight path of the solution and the nanofibers is longer than a shortest path length which is a length of a shortest imaginary path connecting an end opening of the effusing hole and an accumulation part on which the nanofibers are accumulated.