Nano-particle Field Extraction Thruster Dry Particle Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thruster mechanisms face challenges in efficiently accelerating and delivering nano-particles without liquid suspension, particularly in overcoming particle cohesion and adhesion forces, which limits their application in aerospace, materials processing, and biomedical fields.
Innovation Solution
The development of a liquidless Nano-particle Field Extraction Thruster (nanoFET) system using sieve-like structures and mechanical vibrations to separate and accelerate dry or lightly lubricated nano-particles, employing MEMS/NEMS technology to overcome cohesion and adhesion forces through high-speed electric fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If nano-particles are delivered without liquid suspension, then particle delivery efficiency and application versatility are improved, but particle cohesion and adhesion forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mechanical vibrations through piezoelectric actuators to oscillate the sieve structure at high frequencies, generating inertial forces that overcome particle cohesion and adhesion forces. This enables dry or lightly lubricated nano-particles to be effectively separated and transported without liquid suspension, resolving the contradiction between delivery efficiency and particle adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of particle delivery from liquid-suspended to dry or lightly lubricated particles, and uses high-frequency mechanical vibrations to alter the effective forces acting on particles. This parameter change enables overcoming adhesion forces while maintaining delivery efficiency in a liquidless environment.
2Manufacturing precision
If sieve-like structures with dimensions close to nano-particle size are used, then particle separation precision is improved, but device manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex precision mechanical sieve fabrication with a more manufacturable approach using piezoelectric actuators and flexible sieve structures. The high-frequency vibrations enable effective particle separation even with less precisely fabricated sieves, substituting mechanical precision requirements with dynamic vibration-based separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic high-frequency vibrations to the sieve structure, transforming a static precision-fabrication problem into a dynamic separation process. The vibrations enable particles to be effectively separated through inertial effects rather than relying solely on static sieve precision, reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Speed
If high-speed acceleration of nano-particles is achieved, then application performance in materials processing and biomedical fields is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses high-frequency mechanical vibrations to efficiently transfer energy to the nano-particles during acceleration. The vibrational energy coupling enables high-speed particle delivery with reduced energy consumption compared to conventional acceleration methods, as the vibrations resonate with particle motion and reduce energy losses.
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 precise control and high-speed acceleration of nano-particles for various applications, including improved material processing, nanometer-scale printing, and biomedical treatments, by effectively addressing the challenges of particle cohesion and adhesion.
Implementation Method 1
an exemplary piezoelectric assembly according to some embodiments of the present teachings, wherein a piezoelectric actuator that is electrically insulated from the charged particles vibrates a mounted particle sieve
Implementation Method 2
The mechanical vibrations are accomplished via a combination of one or more external vibrating sources and integrated sources that are part of the MEMS/NEMS structures
Implementation Method 3
illustrating the removal of a conducting spherical particle from a planar electrode using a high strength electric field
Implementation Method 4
The Nano-particle Field Extraction Thruster (nanoFET) concept is an approach for nano-particle acceleration to high speeds
Data Source
AI summary
A nano-particle field extraction system comprising a grid having a plurality of electrodes each defining an electrical field, wherein the grid has a plurality of vias extending therethrough. The system further comprises a reservoir having a generally dry mixture disposed therein, a plurality of particles suspended in the generally dry mixture, a biasing member applying a biasing force to the generally dry mixture in the reservoir, and a sieve electrode system in electrical communication with the grid. The sieve electrode system has a plurality of through-holes extending from the reservoir to the grid, such that the sieve electrode system cooperates with the biasing member to extract at least one particle from the generally dry mixture and into the grid whereby the electrical fields charge and accelerate the particle in the vias.