A nozzle assembly for a droplet based material jetting system for 2d and 3D printing
The nozzle assembly with a patterned wettability plate and impact generator controls fluid discharge in droplet-based 3D printing, addressing clogging and excess fluid issues to improve precision and reduce costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Conventional droplet-based 3D printing techniques face issues such as nozzle clogging due to high viscosity fluids, excess fluid deposition leading to contamination and defects, and increased manufacturing costs due to post-processing requirements.
A nozzle assembly with a patterned wettability plate and impact generator that controls fluid discharge, using hydrophilic and superhydrophobic surfaces to manage fluid volume and prevent excess discharge, combined with a sieve to ensure precise droplet formation.
The solution mitigates nozzle clogging, reduces excess fluid discharge, and eliminates the need for post-processing, enhancing the precision and quality of the printed product while minimizing costs.
Smart Images
Figure IN2025051716_15052026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
TITLE: “A NOZZLE ASSEMBLY FOR A DROPLET BASED MATERIAL JETTING SYSTEM FOR 2D AND 3D PRINTING”TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a field of additive manufacturing. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to 3-Dimensional (3D) printing. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a nozzle assembly for a droplet based material jetting system for 2D and 3D printing.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Generally, additive manufacturing or 3 -Dimensional printing is a manufacturing process in which an article / product is manufactured by adding or printing consecutive layers of a printing material. 3-D printing includes different methods to manufacture the article / product. The different types of 3-D printing methods are fused deposition modelling, selective laser sintering, droplet based printing, and among others. In droplet based printing, the article / product to be manufactured is sketched / outlined in a computer-aided design [hereinafter referred as CAD] software, and a nozzle path for the corresponding article / product designed in the CAD software may be generated by a toolpath generation software. The toolpath generation software slices the sketched article or the product. Further, a printing material [hereinafter referred to as fluid], is deposited layer by layer based on the slice of the article / product generated by the toolpath generation software.
[0003] In the droplet based printing, the fluid is supplied from the storage unit to a base through a nozzle. The fluid supplied through the nozzle is deposited on the base in a droplet form. Since the fluid is typically in a semi-solid state, the nozzle is prone to clogging due to the high viscosity of the fluid. Further, during the deposition of the fluid, an excess volume of fluid is deposited, which is undesired, as this excess volume of fluid is to be removed by a postprocessing of the manufactured article / product. The post-processing of the manufactured article / product incurs additional cost and time for obtaining the final article / product. Moreover, the excess volume of fluid results in contamination and / or the formation of defects in the manufactured article / product, thereby affecting the quality of the final article / product. In addition, the excess volume of fluid cannot be reused, which increases the cost of manufacturing the article / product.
[0004] The drawbacks / difficulties / disadvantages / limitations of the conventional techniques explained in the background section are just for exemplary purposes and the disclosure would never limit its scope only to such limitations. A person skilled in the art would understand that this disclosure and below mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the other drawbacks / disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly captured above.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] One or more shortcomings of the conventional arts are overcome by a nozzle assembly as described and claimed. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
[0006] In a non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a nozzle assembly for a droplet based material jetting system for 2D and 3D printing is disclosed. The nozzle assembly includes a body defined with an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit, and a cavity at a junction of the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit. Further, the nozzle assembly includes an arm extending from a top end of the body, opposite to the outlet conduit. The arm is coupled to an impact generator. Furthermore, the nozzle assembly includes a patterned wettability plate coupled to a bottom end of the body and relative to the outlet conduit. The patterned wettability plate includes a central portion defined with a hole. Further, the patterned wettability plate includes a first portion surrounding the central portion. The first portion is a hydrophilic surface and is structured to allow spreading of a first predetermined volume of fluid received from the outlet conduit through the hole. Furthermore, the patterned wettability plate includes a second portion surrounding the first portion. The second portion is a superhydrophobic surface, the second portion retains the fluid within the first portion by restricting movement of the fluid beyond the first portion. The nozzle assembly mitigates lateral movement of the fluid, thereby ensuring no excess volume of the fluid is discharged from the nozzle assembly.
[0007] In an embodiment, the hole of the patterned wettability plate aligns with the outlet body for discharging the fluid out of the body.
[0008] In an embodiment, the arm, the cavity, and the outlet conduit of the body are collinear to each other. Such configuration ensures effective impartation of the predetermined force on the nozzle assembly and discharge / spreading of the first predetermined volume of the fluid.
[0009] In an embodiment, the body is structured to displace between a first position and a second position, in response to the impartation of the predetermined force by the impact generator.
[0010] In an embodiment, the cavity is structured to store the fluid and discharge the fluid into the outlet conduit. Configuration of the cavity aids in manufacturing the body in two parts, thereby, facilitating easier cleaning of the body during clogs or routine maintenance.
[0011] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a droplet based material jetting system for 2D and 3D printing is disclosed. The system includes a base having a plurality of vertical support members and a supply unit disposable adjacent to the base and is structured to store and supply a fluid. Also, the system includes a nozzle assembly fluidly connected to the supply unit and positioned above the base. The nozzle assembly includes a body defined with an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit, and a cavity at a junction of the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit. Further, the nozzle assembly includes an arm extending from a top end of the body, opposite to the outlet conduit. Furthermore, the nozzle assembly includes a patterned wettability plate coupled to a bottom end of the body and relative to the outlet conduit. The patterned wettability plate includes a central portion defined with a hole. Further, the patterned wettability plate includes a first portion surrounding the central portion. The first portion is a hydrophilic surface and is structured to allow spreading of a first predetermined volume of a fluid received from the outlet conduit through the hole. Furthermore, the patterned wettability plate includes a second portion surrounding the first portion. The second portion is a superhydrophobic surface, the second portion retains the fluid within the first portion by restricting movement of the fluid beyond the first portion. In addition, the system includes an impact generator connected to the arm. The impact generator is structured to impart a predetermined force on the arm, to discharge the first predetermined volume of the fluid from the outlet conduit and to displace the nozzle assembly between a first position and a second position. Moreover, the system includes a sieve removably disposable on the plurality of vertical support members of the base. The sieve is a superhydrophobic surface, and is structuredto discharge a second predetermined volume of the fluid in a droplet form, when the nozzle assembly is displaced to the second position. The impact generator aids in mitigating the blockage of the fluid in the outlet conduit due to the high viscosity of the fluid. Moreover, configuration of the sieve mitigates the generation of satellite droplets and subsequently mitigates the excess volume of the fluid being discharged from the sieve.
[0012] In an embodiment, the cavity is structured to store the fluid and discharge the fluid into the outlet conduit.
[0013] In an embodiment, the sieve is defined with a plurality of openings having a predetermined dimension.
[0014] In an embodiment, the nozzle assembly in the second position is structured to impart force on the first predetermined volume of the fluid against the sieve, upon impartation of the predetermined force by the impact generator, to discharge the second predetermined volume of the fluid from at least one opening of the plurality of openings of the sieve.
[0015] In an embodiment, the system includes a control unit communicatively coupled to the impact generator. The control unit is configured to receive input on the predetermined dimension of the plurality of openings of the sieve. Further, the control unit is configured to determine the first predetermined volume of the fluid to be discharged from the outlet conduit, based on the predetermined dimension of the plurality of openings. Furthermore, the control unit is configured to supply a predetermined voltage to the impact generator, based on the first predetermined volume, to operate the impact generator at a specific frequency. In addition, the control unit is configured to impart the predetermined force on the arm to displace the nozzle assembly to the second position. Also, the control unit is configured to impart the predetermined force on the first predetermined volume of the fluid against the sieve, to discharge the second predetermined volume of the fluid from at least one opening of the plurality of openings of the sieve.
[0016] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0017] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of a droplet based material jetting system for 2D and 3D printing, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] Figure 2 illustrates a magnified view of a portion of the droplet based material jetting system for 2D and 3D printing of Figure 1, depicting a nozzle assembly;
[0020] Figure 3a illustrates a front view of an impact generator of the droplet based material jetting system for 2D and 3D printing, depicting its first position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] Figure 3b illustrates a front view of the impact generator, depicting its second position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the nozzle assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] Figure 5 illustrates a top view of a patterned wettability plate of the nozzle assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0024] Figure 6a - 6e illustrates a time evolution of generation of a second predetermined volume of a fluid from a first predetermined volume of the fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, which is passing through a sieve having a plurality of openings of a first predetermined dimension, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0025] Figure 6f - 6j illustrates a time evolution of the generation of the fourth predetermined volume of the fluid from the third predetermined volume of the fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, which is passing through the sieve having a plurality of openings of a second predetermined dimension, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by the way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0028] It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated by the present disclosure and modify various features of a nozzle assembly and a droplet based material jetting system for 2D and 3D printing, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
[0029] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device, assembly, mechanism, system and method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system / assembly / method proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly or system or method.
[0030] In the present disclosure, the term “as an example” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration”. Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as “as an example” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[0031] Unless the context of the disclosure describes or indicates a different interpretation, any reference to an object in the specification that is preceded by a definite or indefinite article, such as 'the', 'a', or 'an', should be understood to encompass both the singular and the plural forms of the object. Accordingly, “a” means “at least one / one or more”. The phrase “a / an X” may be construed as “at least one / one or more X”.The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 to 6. In the figures, the same element or elements that have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a droplet based material jetting system for 2D and 3D printing [hereafter referred to as “system” interchangeably] is disclosed. With general reference to the drawings, the system is illustrated and generally identified with reference numeral (200).
[0032] Referring to Figure 1, the system (200) includes a frame (204) and a base (202) coupled to the frame (204). The base (202) includes a plurality of vertical support members (220) [shown in Figure 2], The system (200) may include a horizontal support member (222) [shown in Figure 2] extending from each vertical support member of the plurality of vertical support members (220). Further, the system (200) includes a supply unit (201) disposed adjacent to the base (202). The supply unit (201) is structured to store and supply a fluid. In an embodiment, the supply unit (201) may include a tank (207) structured to store the fluid. The fluid may be maintained in a semi-liquid state and may exhibit high viscosity. As an example, the fluid may be one of a polyethylene glycol (PEG), silver ink, cell-laden solutions, water, and among others.
[0033] The system (200) includes a nozzle assembly (100) fluidly connected to the supply unit (201) and positioned above the base (202). The supply unit (201) may include a first actuator (206) fluidly connected to the tank (207), and is structured to supply fluid from the tank (207) to the nozzle assembly (100) upon actuation. As an example, the first actuator (206) may be a pump, such as a linear piston pump. The base (202) may be connected to a third actuator [not shown in the Figures] . The third actuator is configured to displace the base (202) along a Z axis and aids in depositing multiple layers of the fluid on the base (202). As depicted in Figure 2, the nozzle assembly (100) includes a body (111). The body (111) may be defined with a crosssection, such as, but not limited to, a cylinder, a cuboid, or a combination thereof. As seen in Figure 4, the body (111) is defined with an inlet conduit (115) and an outlet conduit (116). Theinlet conduit (115) is fluidly connected to the first actuator (206) [thus, the tank (207)] through a supply hose (203) [as seen in Figure 1] . The inlet conduit (11 ) may be defined from a surface of the body (111) and may extend up to a substantial centre of the body (111). The outlet conduit (116) may be defined from another surface of the body (111) and may extend up to the substantial center of the body (111). Diameter of the outlet conduit (116) may be smaller than diameter of the inlet conduit (115). The body (111) is defined with a cavity (114) at a junction of the inlet conduit (115) and the outlet conduit (116). That is, the cavity (114) is defined at substantial center of the body (111). The cavity (114) acts as a reservoir for storing the fluid in the nozzle assembly (100). The cavity (114) is structured to receive fluid from the supply unit (201), store the fluid, and discharge the fluid into the outlet conduit (116). Configuration of the cavity (114). Configuration of the cavity (114) aids in manufacturing the body (111) in two parts, thereby, facilitating easier cleaning of the body (111) during clogs or routine maintenance.
[0034] In an illustrative embodiment, as depicted in Figure 4, the inlet conduit (115) is connected to a top end (112) of the cavity (114), and the outlet conduit (116) may be fluidly connected to the bottom end (118) of the cavity (114). The cavity (114) may be defined with a cross-section, such as but not limited to, a sphere, cuboid, conical, or combination thereof. In an embodiment, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure, the arm (113), the cavity (114), and the outlet conduit (116) of the body (111) are collinear to each other. This ensures effective impartation of the predetermined force on the nozzle assembly (100) and discharge of the first predetermined volume (150) of the fluid. Further, the nozzle assembly (100) includes an arm (113) extending from a top end (112) of the body (111). Furthermore, the nozzle assembly (100) includes a patterned wettability plate (120) coupled to a bottom end (118) of the body (111). The patterned wettability plate (120) may be coupled to the bottom end (118) of the body (111) through mechanical means or adhesive techniques. The patterned wettability plate (120) may be defined by a cross-section, such as but not limited to a circular cross-section or a rectangular cross-section. Further, the patterned wettability plate (120) may be manufactured from copper, aluminium, magnesium, stainless steel, and among others. The nozzle assembly (100) facilitates receiving the fluid through the inlet conduit (115), spread on the patterned wettability plate (120), and discharging the fluid through the patterned wettability plate (120) in a droplet form. Further, the nozzle assembly (100) having the patternedwettability plate (120) mitigates lateral movement of the fluid, thereby ensuring no excess volume of the fluid is discharged from the nozzle assembly (100).
[0035] Referring to Figure 5, the patterned wettability plate (120) includes a central portion (123) defined with a hole. In an embodiment, In an embodiment, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure, the hole of the patterned wettability plate (120) aligns with the outlet conduit (116) for discharging the fluid out of the body (111). As an example, the hole may be defined at a centre of the patterned wettability plate (120). Further, the patterned wettability plate (120) includes a first portion (121) surrounding the central portion (123). The first portion (121) is a hydrophilic surface and is structured to allow spreading of a first predetermined volume (150) of a fluid received from the outlet conduit (116) through the hole. Furthermore, the patterned wettability plate (120) includes a second portion (122) surrounding the first portion (121). The second portion (122) is a superhydrophobic surface. The superhydrophobic surface is a surface that repels water. The second portion (122) retains the fluid within the first portion (121) by restricting movement of the fluid beyond the first portion (121). The first portion (121) with the hydrophilic surface surrounding the hole, which is surrounded by the second portion (122) with the superhydrophobic surface, restricts lateral movement of the fluid discharged from the outlet conduit (116). In other words, the second portion (122) retains the fluid within the first portion (121) by restricting the movement of the fluid beyond the first portion (121). That is, the force required for the fluid in the present disclosure to move laterally beyond the first portion (121) is substantially higher when compared to the conventional arts.
[0036] For example, considering the copper plate of the conventional art, being coupled to the bottom end ( 118) of the body ( 111), the initial contact angle of the fluid on the plate is 87,° and the advancing angle of the fluid would be around 89°. Considering a radius of the first predetermined volume ( 150) of the fluid to be 1 mm, surface tension of the fluid to be 72 mN / m, the advancing force (lateral force) is -0.0158 mN. Now, considering the patterned wettability plate (120) of the present disclosure, the initial contact angle of the fluid on the plate is 87,° and the advancing angle of the fluid would be around 155°. Considering the radius of the first predetermined volume (150) of the fluid and surface tension of the fluid to be the same as the above, the advancing force (lateral force) is -0.42 mN, which is approximately 27 times higher compared to the conventional art. Thus, in the present disclosure, the second portion (122)retains the fluid within the first portion (121) by restricting movement of the fluid beyond the first portion (121) and pinning of the first predetermined volume (150) of the fluid. That is, the fluid remains proximal to the outlet conduit (116), thereby limiting the volume of the fluid being discharged to the first predetermined volume (150), thus mitigating the discharge of an excess volume of the fluid from the outlet conduit (116).
[0037] Referring back to Figure 1, the system (200) includes an impact generator (205) connected to the arm (113). The impact generator (205) is structured to impart a predetermined force on the arm (113), to discharge the first predetermined volume (150) of the fluid from the outlet conduit (116) and to displace the nozzle assembly (100) between a first position (FP) [best seen in Figure 3a] and a second position (SP) [best seen in Figure 3b]. In other words, the body (111) is structured to displace between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP), in response to the impartation of the predetermined force by the impact generator (205), to discharge the first predetermined volume (150) of the fluid. The impact generator (205) aids in mitigating the blockage of the fluid in the outlet conduit (116) due to the high viscosity of the fluid.
[0038] In an illustrative embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b, the impact generator (205) may be a solenoid. Alternatively, the impact generator (205) may be one of a voice coil actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator, a hydraulic linear actuator, and among others. The impact generator (205) may be configured to provide regulated impact on the arm (113) [thus, on the nozzle assembly (100)] upon supply of a predetermined voltage. Further, the impact applied on the nozzle assembly (100) by the impact generator (205) may facilitate in production of droplets of the fluid through the nozzle assembly (100). The impact generator (205) is structured to provide precise impact to the nozzle assembly (100), to eject the required [first predetermined] volume of the fluid. The impact generator (205) may be connected to a second actuator [not shown in the Figures]. The second actuator may be configured to displace the impact generator (205) connected to the nozzle assembly (100) in X and Y axes. The impact generator (205), which is capable of varying the predetermined force being applied on the arm (113), based on the voltage supplied, provides a higher impact force for a high viscous fluid which is difficult to achieve in conventional droplet printing systems. Such configuration of the impact generator (205) aids in eliminating and / or subduing clogging of the fluid in the nozzle assembly (100).
[0039] As seen in Figure 2, the system (200) includes a sieve (130) removably disposable on the plurality of vertical support members (220) of the base (202). In an embodiment, the sieve (130) is disposed at a predetermined distance from the nozzle assembly (100). The predetermined distance may be greater than a stroke length, i.e., a distance travelled by the nozzle assembly (100) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP). The sieve (130) is a superhydrophobic surface, and is structured to discharge a second predetermined volume (160) of the fluid in a droplet form, when the nozzle assembly (100) is displaced to the second position (SP). The sieve (130) is defined with a plurality of openings having a predetermined dimension. Dimensions of the plurality of openings may be selected based on the second predetermined volume (160) of the fluid required. The nozzle assembly (100) in the second position (SP) is structured to impart force on the first predetermined volume (150) of the fluid against the sieve (130), upon impartation of the predetermined force by the impact generator (205), to discharge the second predetermined volume (160) of the fluid from at least one opening of the plurality of openings of the sieve (130). In an embodiment, the system (200) may include an enclosure to cover / enclose the base (202), the nozzle assembly (100), and the impact generator (205). The enclosure is structured to prevent ingress of dust particles, or any other foreign material into the nozzle assembly (100), which otherwise may potentially blend with the manufactured article / product, thereby affecting the quality of the final article / product.
[0040] As depicted in Figure 1, the system (200) includes a control unit (208) communicatively coupled to the impact generator (205). The control unit (208) may be a dedicated control unit or a specialized control unit such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control unit, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, and among others. The control unit (208) may include a microprocessor, such as AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, IBM PowerPC, Intel’s Core, Itanium, Xeon, Celeron, or other line of processors, and among others. The control unit (208) may be implemented using a mainframe, distributed processor, multicore, parallel, grid, or other architectures. Some embodiments may utilize embedded technologies like application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and among others.
[0041] The control unit (208) is configured to receive input on the predetermined dimension of the plurality of openings of the sieve (130). Further, the control unit (208) is configured todetermine the first predetermined volume (150) of the fluid to be discharged from the outlet conduit (116), based on the predetermined dimension of the plurality of openings . Furthermore, the control unit (208) is configured to supply a predetermined voltage to the impact generator (205), based on the first predetermined volume (150) of the fluid, to operate the impact generator (205) at a specific frequency. In addition, the control unit (208) is configured to impart the predetermined force on the arm (113) to displace the nozzle assembly (100) to the second position (SP). Also, the control unit (208) is configured to impart the predetermined force on the first predetermined volume (150) of the fluid against the sieve (130), to discharge the second predetermined volume (160) of the fluid from at least one opening of the plurality of openings of the sieve (130). Such configuration of the sieve (130) mitigates the generation of satellite droplets and subsequently mitigates the excess volume of the fluid being discharged from the sieve (130). The same is explained below with reference to Figures 6a-6j.
[0042] In an operational embodiment, referring to Figures 6a-6e, a time evolution of generation of the second predetermined volume (160) of the fluid from a first predetermined volume (150) of the fluid by passing through the sieve (130) having a first predetermined dimension of the plurality of openings is depicted. The sieve (130) having the plurality of openings with the first predetermined dimension of the plurality of openings is placed on the plurality of vertical support members (220) or respective horizontal members extending from the plurality of vertical support members (220). The first predetermined dimension is fed as an input to the control unit (208). Further, the control unit (208) is configured to determine the first predetermined volume (150) of the fluid to be discharged from the outlet conduit (116), based on the first predetermined dimension of the plurality of openings. Furthermore, the control unit (208) is configured to supply a predetermined voltage to the impact generator (205), based on the first predetermined volume (150), to operate the impact generator (205) at a specific frequency. Without limiting, the predetermined voltage may range between 10V and 18V. Upon supply of the predetermined voltage, as depicted in Figure 3b, the control unit (208) is configured to impart the predetermined force on the arm (113) to displace the nozzle assembly (100) to the second position (SP). Parallelly, the first predetermined volume (150) of the fluid is ejected from the outlet conduit (116) as seen in Figure 6a. Such displacement of the nozzle assembly (100) imparts the predetermined force on the first predetermined volume (150) of the fluid against the sieve (130) as seen in Figure 6b. Upon receiving thepredetermined force, the first predetermined volume (150) of the fluid breaks off as seen in Figure 6c, and the second predetermined volume (160) of the fluid is discharged from an opening of the plurality of openings of the sieve (130) as seen in Figures 6d and 6e.
[0043] In another example, referring to Figures 6f-6j , the time evolution of generation of the fourth predetermined volume (164) of the fluid from the third predetermined volume (152) of the fluid by passing through the sieve (130) having a second predetermined dimension of the plurality of openings is depicted. The sieve (130) having the plurality of openings with the second predetermined dimension of the plurality of openings, is placed on the plurality of vertical support members (220) or respective horizontal members extending from the plurality of vertical support members (220). The second predetermined dimension is fed as the input to the control unit (208). Further, the control unit (208) is configured to determine the third predetermined volume (152) of the fluid to be discharged from the outlet conduit (116), based on the second predetermined dimension of the plurality of openings. Furthermore, the control unit (208) is configured to supply a predetermined voltage to the impact generator (205), based on the third predetermined volume (152) of the fluid, to operate the impact generator (205) at a specific frequency. Upon supply of the predetermined voltage, as depicted in Figure 3b, the control unit (208) is configured to impart the predetermined force on the arm (113) to displace the nozzle assembly (100) to the second position (SP). Parallelly, the third predetermined volume (152) of the fluid is ejected from the outlet conduit (116) as seen in Figure 6f. Such displacement of the nozzle assembly (100) imparts the predetermined force on the third predetermined volume (152) of the fluid against the sieve (130) as seen in Figure 6g. Upon receiving the predetermined force, the fourth predetermined volume (164) of the fluid breaks off as seen in Figure 6h. The fourth predetermined volume (164) of the fluid is discharged from the opening of the plurality of openings of the sieve (130) as seen in Figures 6i and 6j. Meanwhile, the predetermined force imparted by the impact generator (205) would not be sufficient to discharge other portions (166) of the first predetermined volume (150) of the fluid from the adjacent openings as seen in Figure h, thereby mitigating the excess volume of the fluid being discharged from the nozzle assembly (100).
[0044] In an embodiment, the nozzle assembly (100) of the present disclosure provides satellite free droplets. In other words, the formation of satellite droplets is mitigated. Since no excess volume of the fluid is discharged from the sieve (130) due to satellite free droplet, the nozzleassembly (100) facilitate in providing a precision finish to the article / product, without requiring any post process, thereby reducing the cost and the time associated with obtaining the final article / product. Due to no excess volume of the fluid being discharged, the possibility of contamination and / or forming defects in the manufactured article / product is mitigated, thereby ensuring the quality of the final article / product.
[0045] It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop the nozzle assembly (100) and the droplet based material jetting system for 2D and 3D printing (200) of a similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.EQUIVALENTS
[0046] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[0047] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
[0048] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[0049] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims are generally intended as “open” terms. It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construedto imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an”; the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number. Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention. In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general, such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention. It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.REFERRAL NUMERICALS
Claims
Claims:
1. A nozzle assembly (100) for a droplet based material jetting system for 2D and 3D printing (200), the nozzle assembly (100) comprising: abody (l l l) defined with an inlet conduit ( 115 ) , an outlet conduit (116), and a cavity (114) at a junction of the inlet conduit (115) and the outlet conduit (116); an arm (113) extending from a top end ( 112) of the body (111), opposite to the outlet conduit (116), and is coupled to an impact generator (205); and a patterned wettability plate (120) coupled to a bottom end (118) of the body (111) and relative to the outlet conduit (116), the patterned wettability plate (120) comprising: a central portion (123) defined with a hole; a first portion (121) surrounding the central portion (123), the first portion(121) is a hydrophilic surface and is structured to allow spreading of a first predetermined volume (150) of a fluid received from the outlet conduit (116) through the hole, when a predetermined force is imparted from the impact generator (205); and a second portion (122) surrounding the first portion (121), the second portion(122) is a superhydrophobic surface, the second portion (122) retains the fluid within the first portion (121) by restricting movement of the fluid beyond the first portion (121).
2. The nozzle assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hole of the patterned wettability plate (120) aligns with the outlet conduit (116) for discharging the fluid out of the body (111).
3. The nozzle assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arm (113), the cavity (114), and the outlet conduit ( 116) of the body ( 111 ) are collinear to each other.
4. The nozzle assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (111) is structured to displace between a first position (FP) and a second position (SP), in response to the impartation of the predetermined force by the impact generator (205).
5. The nozzle assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cavity (114) is structured to store the fluid and discharge the fluid into the outlet conduit (116).
6. A droplet based material jetting system for 2D and 3D printing (200), the system (200) comprising: a base (202) having a plurality of vertical support members (220); a supply unit (201) disposable adjacent to the base (202), and is structured to store and supply a fluid; a nozzle assembly (100) fluidly connected to the supply unit (201) and positioned above the base (202), the nozzle assembly (100) comprising: a body (111) defined with an inlet conduit (115), an outlet conduit (116), and a cavity (114) at a junction of the inlet conduit (115) and the outlet conduit (116); an arm (113) extending from a top end ( 112) of the body (111), opposite to the outlet conduit (116); and a patterned wettability plate (120) coupled to the bottom end (118) of the body (111) and relative to the outlet conduit (116), the patterned wettability plate (120) comprising: a central portion (123) defined with a hole; a first portion (121) surrounding the central portion (123), the first portion (121) is a hydrophilic surface and is structured to allow discharge of a first predetermined volume (150) of a fluid received from the outlet conduit (116) through the hole; and a second portion (122) surrounding the first portion (121), the second portion (122) is a superhydrophobic surface, the second portion (122) retains the fluid within the first portion (121) by restricting movement of the fluid beyond the first portion (121); an impact generator (205) connected to the arm (113), the impact generator (205) is structured to impart a predetermined force on the arm (113), to discharge the first predetermined volume (150) of the fluid from the outlet conduit (116) and to displace the nozzle assembly (100) between a first position (FP) and a second position (SP); a sieve (130) removably disposable on the plurality of vertical support members (220) of the base (202), the sieve (130) is a superhydrophobic surface, and is structured to discharge a second predetermined volume (160) of the fluid in a droplet form, when the nozzle assembly (100) is displaced to the second position (SP).
7. The system (200) as claimed in claim 6. wherein the cavity (114) is structured to store the fluid and discharge the fluid into the outlet conduit (116).
8. The system (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the sieve (130) is defined with a plurality of openings having a predetermined dimension.
9. The system (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the nozzle assembly (100) in the second position (SP) is structured to impart force on the first predetermined volume (150) of the fluid against the sieve (130), upon impartation of the predetermined force by the impact generator (205), to discharge the second predetermined volume (160) of the fluid from at least one opening of the plurality of openings of the sieve (130).
10. The system (200) as claimed in claim 6, comprising a control unit (208) communicatively coupled to the impact generator (205), wherein the control unit (208) is configured to: receive input on the predetermined dimension of the plurality of openings of the sieve (130); and determine the first predetermined volume (150) of the fluid to be discharged from the outlet conduit (116), based on the predetermined dimension of the plurality of openings. supply a predetermined voltage to the impact generator (205), based on the first predetermined volume (150), to operate the impact generator (205) at a specific frequency; impart the predetermined force on the arm (113) to displace the nozzle assembly (100) to the second position (SP); and impart the predetermined force on the first predetermined volume (150) of the fluid against the sieve (130), to discharge the second predetermined volume (160) of the fluid from at least one opening of the plurality of openings of the sieve (130).