3D Spark Head Nano Coating for Light Control and Self-Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems are inefficient in modifying the utilization of light on surfaces, leading to reduced efficiency in solar panels, heating, and cooling applications, and require significant resources for self-cleaning due to poor light reflection, scattering, and transmission properties.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a spark head unit with electrode pairs composed of inorganic materials in a three-dimensional array format, electrically coupled to a voltage source, to deposit fused electrode material as a nano coating on surfaces, allowing for controlled light reflection, scattering, and transmission, and providing self-cleaning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coating methods are used, then the surface can be coated, but the light utilization efficiency (reflection, scattering, transmission) remains poor and self-cleaning ability is sluggish
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the surface by depositing a nano-coating layer with specific properties (refractive index, surface energy, porosity) to simultaneously improve light utilization and self-cleaning ability. The nano-coating modifies the surface parameters to achieve enhanced optical performance and hydrophilic/hydrophobic characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite nano-coating materials that combine different properties to achieve both improved light utilization (through controlled refraction and scattering) and self-cleaning functionality (through hydrophilic or hydrophobic surface characteristics). The composite nature of the coating allows simultaneous optimization of multiple functions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If existing coating systems are used, then surfaces can be modified, but the efficiency of solar panels, heating and cooling applications is reduced due to poor light properties
Solution Approach 1:
The nano-coating changes the optical parameters of the surface including refractive index, surface roughness, and light absorption characteristics. These parameter changes enable optimized light trapping for solar panels, improved heat reflection for cooling applications, and enhanced heat absorption for heating applications, thereby improving overall energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different nano-coating compositions and structures to different surfaces or regions to optimize local optical properties. By tailoring the coating's refractive index, thickness, and composition to specific application requirements, the system achieves optimized energy efficiency for different functions (solar energy capture, thermal reflection, etc.).
3Reliability
If surfaces are kept clean using conventional methods, then appearance and function are maintained, but considerable resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The nano-coating enables the surface to clean itself through hydrophilic or hydrophobic mechanisms. Hydrophilic coatings cause water to spread and wash away contaminants, while hydrophobic coatings cause water to bead and roll off, taking dirt with them. This self-cleaning property eliminates or reduces the need for external cleaning resources and manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The nano-coating acts as an intermediary layer between the substrate and environmental contaminants. This intermediate layer provides the self-cleaning functionality by creating surface energy characteristics that prevent contaminant adhesion or facilitate easy removal, thereby protecting the underlying surface without requiring direct cleaning of the substrate itself.
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 nano coating enhances the efficient utilization of light on surfaces, improves the efficiency of solar panels, heating, and cooling applications, and reduces maintenance costs by enabling self-cleaning, with the spark head unit's multidimensional movement ensuring uniform deposition.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more electrode pairs are adapted to provide a spark between electrodes of the corresponding one or more electrode pairs to obtain a fused electrode material upon receiving a voltage from the voltage source
Implementation Method 2
obtain a fused electrode material upon receiving a voltage from the voltage source
Implementation Method 3
deposit the fused electrode material obtained on a surface thereby providing nano coating on the surface
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for providing nano coating on a surface is provided. The apparatus includes a spark head unit electrically coupled to a voltage source and mounted on a frame. The spark head unit includes electrode pairs composed of a predefined inorganic material. The electrode pairs are mounted on the spark head unit in a three-dimensional array format. The electrode pairs are adapted to provide a spark between electrodes of the corresponding electrode pairs to obtain a fused electrode material upon receiving a voltage from the voltage source. The electrode pairs are also adapted to deposit the fused electrode material obtained on a surface thereby providing nano coating on the surface. The fused electrode material includes oxides of the predefined inorganic material. The three-dimensional array format is adapted to provide non-uniform deposition of the fused electrode material on the surface.