Hybrid surface designs with passive diffusion-limited deposition capabilities
AssigneeNorthwestern University
InventorsChristian John Machado, Kyoo-Chul Kenneth Park, Jiaxing Huang, Haiyue Huang
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Abstract
A surface texture includes a three-dimensional structure, a cross-section of which includes a first serration and a second serration. The first serration has a first peak having a height measured from a base of the three-dimensional structure to a top of the first serration. A valley is formed in between the first serration and the second serration, where the valley has a length measured from a base of the first serration to a base of the second serration. The first serration also has a vertex angle that forms the first peak. A coating that covers at least a portion of the valley, where the valley is designed to remain free of frost.
Claims13
A surface texture comprising:
- a three-dimensional structure, a cross-section of which includes a first serration and a second serration, wherein:
- the first serration has a first peak having a height measured from a base of the three-dimensional structure to a top of the first serration;
- a valley is formed in between the first serration and the second serration, wherein the valley has a length measured from a base of the first serration to a base of the second serration;
- and
- the first serration has a vertex angle that forms the first peak, wherein the height and the vertex angle are controlled such that freezing of condensate begins at the first peak;
- and
- a water adsorbing coating that covers only the valley such that the water adsorbing coating is not included on the first serration or the second serration, wherein the water adsorbing coating helps the valley to remain free of frost.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.