Surface for directional fluid transport including against external pressure
US10927853B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 2018 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 22, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF04B53/16
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A capillary structure for passive, directional fluid transport, includes a capillary having a forward direction and a backward direction extending in an x-y plane and a depth extending in a z-direction, the capillary including first and second capillary units each having a diverging section having a backward end, a forward end, and a width in the y-direction, wherein the width increases from the backward end to the forward end, wherein the backward end of the second capillary unit diverging section is connected to the forward end of the first capillary unit diverging section to form a transition section having a step decrease in width from the forward end of the first capillary unit diverging section to the backward end of the second capillary unit diverging section, and wherein the depth in the transition section is less than the depth in each diverging section.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.