Portable CCVD Nanocoating Machine for Atmospheric Deposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a non-vacuum deposition machine that can apply dry-deposited nanocoatings to a wide range of surfaces in various locations without requiring a low-pressure environment, and existing vapor deposition processes are limited in their ability to operate in diverse settings.

Innovation Solution

A portable, low-power-consuming nanocoating machine using the combustion chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) process, which can be plugged into a standard electrical outlet, utilizing a flame to burn precursor chemicals and condense the resulting material onto surfaces, with a focus on using sub-critical sized clusters for adherence and employing off-the-shelf components and a programmable logic controller for operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional vapor deposition processes are used, then nanocoatings can be applied to surfaces, but the processes require low-pressure environments and complex equipment that limits portability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveportability and location flexibilityVSAvoidequipment complexity and infrastructure requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the pressure parameter from vacuum/low-pressure to atmospheric pressure operation. The CCVD process enables deposition at ambient pressure conditions, eliminating the need for vacuum chambers and complex pressure control systems, thereby dramatically simplifying equipment and enabling portability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical vacuum system with a chemical combustion-based deposition mechanism. Instead of using vacuum pumps and complex mechanical infrastructure, the system uses a controlled flame to generate and deposit nanomaterials directly at atmospheric pressure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If standard electrical outlets are used to power the machine, then accessibility is improved, but power consumption must be limited to low levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility and ease of useVSAvoidelectrical power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the power consumption parameter to operate within standard outlet limits (≤2200W). By optimizing the combustion efficiency and using a portable fuel source design, the system achieves effective nanocoating deposition while staying within the power constraints of standard electrical outlets

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If flame-based CCVD process is used, then deposition can occur at atmospheric pressure, but safety concerns arise from open flame operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveatmospheric pressure operation capabilityVSAvoidsafety hazards from open flame
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a controlled flame as an intermediary to convert chemical energy to thermal energy for nanomaterial synthesis. The flame serves as a localized reaction zone that can be precisely controlled and contained, enabling atmospheric pressure deposition while managing safety through controlled combustion rather than uncontrolled fire hazards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the application of high-quality vapor-deposited nanocoatings on a wide range of surfaces in various locations using low electrical power, without the need for inert gases or oxygen, and is simple enough for most adults to operate with minimal training, ensuring safety and effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

A precursor in the correct concentration is fed into a flame, where it is burned

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

the resulting chemically changed material then condenses onto a surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

One embodiment of the present invention is a low-power-consuming portable dry nanocoating machine that uses the principles of the CCVD process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical vapor deposition: Chemical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS9994953B2Portable dry nanocoating machine
Publication Date: 2018.06.12 ENGI MAT CO

AI summary

Nano technologies are widely recognized as enabling enhanced and new functionality in a wide range of applications and products. Many different ways have been developed to create and apply these nanomaterials. One method for making dry nanocoatings is vapor deposition. There exists a need for a portable machine that can apply nanocoatings to a wide of range of surfaces in a wide range of locations. The present invention comprises such a portable machine that can apply nanocoatings to a wide of range of surfaces in a wide range of locations.