System and method to increase surface friction across a hydrophobic, anti-fouling, and oleophobic coated substrate
US11658013B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 2021 |
| Grant date | May 23, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J2237/20214
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method to modify surface tension at atmosphere across a hydrophobic, anti-fouling, and oleophobic coated substrate. The substrate has a hydrophobic surface defined by a surface friction. The system modifies the surface tension, or smoothness, across the hydrophobic surface. The modification in surface tension is accomplished by generating power through an ion source to create an ion cloud. The ion cloud is generated in proximity to the substrate. The ions interact with the hydrophobic surface to create a modification of surface tension. A gas carrier device introduces an inert carrier gas through the ion cloud to increase density of the ions, which in turn increases surface friction. The system is variable, selectively increasing and decreasing surface tension by: varying the duration that the hydrophobic surface is exposed to the ion cloud; varying power applied to ion source; and varying distance between the ion cloud and the hydrophobic surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.