Segmented Piezoelectric Thread for Antifungal Efficacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charge generating fibers have limitations in effectively constraining fungi within the vicinity of the electric field they generate, leading to suboptimal antifungal effects.
Innovation Solution
A thread design featuring a first fiber with a groove and a second fiber capable of generating potential by external energy, where the second fiber is disposed within the groove of the first fiber, creating a space for enhanced electric field generation and increased surface area for fungus adherence, thereby improving antifungal efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional charge generating fibers are used, then antifungal properties are provided, but the antifungal effect is suboptimal due to inability to effectively constrain fungi within the electric field vicinity
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber is segmented into a core portion and a sheath portion, where the core generates electric fields and the sheath with grooves provides fungus adherence surfaces. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally, with the grooves acting as separate fungus-trapping structures that concentrate fungi in specific regions where they can be effectively constrained by the electric field.
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves in the sheath portion act as intermediary structures that mediate between the electric field generation and fungus constraint. By providing specific adherence surfaces, the grooves concentrate fungi in controlled regions, enabling the electric field to more effectively interact with and constrain the fungi, thus enhancing the overall antifungal effect.
2Reliability
If the surface area of the fiber is increased to allow more fungus adherence, then antifungal efficacy is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber structure is divided into core and sheath portions, with the sheath containing grooves that increase surface area. This segmentation allows the complexity to be localized to the sheath portion, while the core maintains its charge generation function. The grooves provide increased surface area for fungus adherence without requiring complete restructuring of the entire fiber.
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves are formed within the sheath portion, creating a nested structure where the grooves are embedded in the sheath material. This nesting approach increases the effective surface area for fungus adherence while maintaining a compact overall fiber structure, avoiding excessive complexity.
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
The thread achieves a superior antifungal effect by generating a strong electric field and increasing the surface area for fungus adherence, effectively killing or weakening fungi through electric field and current disruption.
Implementation Method 1
charge generating fibers that exhibit antifungal properties by charge generated by a piezoelectric effect. When tension is applied to the piezoelectric thread, charge is generated on the surface of the piezoelectric thread, and an electric field is generated in a space formed between fibers by the charge.
Data Source
AI summary
A thread that includes a first fiber having at least one groove extending in a length direction thereof; and at least one second fiber constructed to generate a potential by external energy. The second fiber is disposed in a region corresponding to the groove of the first fiber such that a space is between the groove of the first fiber and the second fiber.