Processing method and apparatus for micro-structured rope-like material
Inventors
D'Amore, Antonio • McKeel, Daniel • Wagner, William R.
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-12077885-B2
Publication Date
2024-09-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
Provided herein is an electrodeposition apparatus for producing long polymeric threads, yarns, or ropes. A method of preparing long polymeric threads, yarns or ropes also is provided.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an electrodeposition system for producing a continuous fibrous thread or rope from polymer fibers deposited onto and between a nascent thread or rope. A first rotating head carries a motor-driven first fiber collection spool, and a first electrode is rotatably retained at an axis of rotation by a first guide, where the distal end of the first electrode extends through the first guide into a gap.
A second electrode defines the gap with the first electrode distal end spaced apart, and both electrodes are electrically connected to electric leads to enable electrodeposition. Electrodeposition is initiated by feeding a polymer solution through an electrospray nozzle into the gap between the first and second electrodes to form nascent thread or rope, which is attached to the distal ends of the electrodes.
The first fiber collection spool is rotated to draw the first electrode and the nascent thread or rope through the first guide onto the spool, while polymer fibers are electrodeposited onto and between the nascent thread or rope. The thread or rope length is extended via continuous electrodeposition while rotating the spool during formation, and the system optionally includes multi-stage deposition for layered constructions with a second rotating head and second fiber collection spool.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims are clm-00001 and clm-00011. Across these, the claims specify at least five main inventive features.
Mandrel-less electrodeposition apparatus with first rotating fiber collection head
An apparatus having a base comprising an electric lead, and a first rotating head rotatably connected to the base and electrically connected to the electric lead, where the first rotating head rotates about an axis of rotation and comprises a first fiber collection spool driven by a motor.
Axis guide and electrode arrangement defining a gap for electrodeposition
A first electrode having a distal end and proximal end attached to the first fiber collection spool, and a first guide at the axis of rotation configured to rotatably retain the first electrode and through which the distal end extends or is extendable, with a second electrode having a distal end spaced apart from the distal end of the first electrode to define a gap between the electrodes.
Electrically powered electrodeposition using two electrodes connected to electric leads
The first electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected to electric lead(s) of the base such that the second electrode is connected at its proximal end to the electric lead or to a second electric lead.
Motor-driven rotation of the first rotating head about its axis of rotation
A motor configured to rotate the first rotating head about the axis of rotation during operation of the apparatus.
Continuous rope/thread formation by electrospray initiation and electrospinning-assisted electrodeposition
A method initiating electrodeposition by feeding a polymer solution through an electrospray nozzle into a gap between a first electrode and a second electrode of the apparatus, where an electrospinning nozzle deposits a polymer composition in the gap and is electrically connected to a power source providing a voltage that produces an electrical field with the first and second electrodes for electrodeposition of the polymer composition in the gap between the distal ends, thereby forming nascent thread or rope attached to the first and second electrodes.
Spool rotation to draw the electrode and wind nascent thread/rope while electrodeposition extends length
Rotating the first fiber collection spool during electrodeposition at a rate that first draws the first electrode and then the nascent electrodeposited thread or rope connected to the first electrode through the first guide onto the first fiber collection spool, while polymer fibers are electrodeposited onto and between the nascent thread or rope to extend length and wind the nascent thread or rope about the first fiber collection spool.
Together, the independent claims cover a mandrel-less electrodeposition apparatus with a rotating head, an axis guide that rotatably retains a first electrode, a second electrode defining a gap, and electrical connection to electric leads, combined with a method that initiates continuous formation by electrospraying polymer solution into the gap and uses an electrospinning nozzle to deposit polymer composition for electrodeposition while rotating the spool to draw and wind the nascent thread or rope.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
Interested in licensing this patent?