Three-dimensional fractal graduated-branching hierarchical structures and fabrication method thereof
US8877072B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 9, 2012 |
| Grant date | Nov 4, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 15, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C2035/0811
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method to fabricate a hierarchical graduated-branched structure that grows in a three-dimensional pattern down to fractal-branching, nano-size level is detailed. The fractal patterning is accomplished on a three-dimensional (i.e., non-planar) surface, by exposing the surface to a properly focused particle beam, which causes the spontaneous growth of graduated branches all over the surface. The structure can be fabricated with a single material and the fractal-patterning is done in a one step process. No addition of material is required for the formation of each branch. The fractal graduated branching structure can then be molded in order to produce replicas.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.