Carbon Nanotube Winding and Separation for Continuous Collection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon nanotube collection apparatuses require frequent shutdowns and atmospheric changes during the manufacturing process, leading to prolonged manufacturing times when producing large quantities of carbon nanotubes.
Innovation Solution
A carbon nanotube collection apparatus equipped with a separation mechanism that allows for continuous formation and separation of wound bodies, reducing the frequency of collection and enabling bulk collection of multiple wound bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a collection apparatus is provided in or near the collection part of a reaction furnace to wind and collect carbon nanotubes, then carbon nanotubes can be collected in a roll shape, but the manufacturing time increases due to frequent shutdowns and atmospheric changes required for collection
Solution Approach 1:
The collection apparatus is divided into multiple collection chambers (first collection chamber and second collection chamber) that can operate independently. While one chamber is being used for carbon nanotube collection, the other chamber can be prepared or emptied, allowing continuous operation without shutdowns for atmospheric changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-chamber design enables continuous carbon nanotube collection by switching between chambers. The carbon nanotube production process can proceed uninterrupted while collection occurs in one chamber and preparation/emptying occurs in the other, eliminating idle time between collections.
2Volume of moving object
If the wound body is taken out at the stage that it reaches a predetermined diameter, then the collection apparatus can maintain compact size, but frequent collection is required which increases manufacturing time
Solution Approach 1:
The collection capacity is segmented into multiple chambers, each capable of holding wound bodies. This allows the apparatus to accumulate larger total volumes of collected carbon nanotubes without requiring frequent emptying, as multiple chambers can be filled sequentially while others are being emptied or prepared.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple collection chambers are combined into a single integrated apparatus, allowing the system to function as one unit with cumulative collection capacity. The chambers work together to provide both compact individual units and large aggregate storage, reducing the frequency of collection operations.
3Reliability
If frequent collection and replacement of atmosphere in the reaction furnace is performed, then complete carbon nanotube wound bodies can be collected, but the manufacturing process is interrupted repeatedly
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system is segmented into multiple independent chambers that can be operated on different schedules. This allows the production process to continue uninterrupted in one chamber while another chamber undergoes atmospheric replacement or emptying, maintaining both collection reliability and production continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second collection chamber can be prepared in advance while the first chamber is actively collecting carbon nanotubes. This preliminary preparation includes setting up the appropriate atmosphere and ensuring the chamber is ready to receive wound bodies, so the transition between chambers is seamless and does not interrupt production.
Data Source
AI summary
A carbon nanotube collection apparatus includes: a collection room having an opening part communicating with a carbon nanotube production apparatus; a winding member arranged inside the collection room and configured to wind a carbon nanotube passed through the opening part from the carbon nanotube production apparatus to form a carbon nanotube wound body; and a separation mechanism configured to move the carbon nanotube wound body from a base end side toward a tip end side of the winding member to separate the carbon nanotube wound body from the winding member.