Annular Mirror Microscopy for Continuous Inkjet Nozzle Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
High resolution microscopy of inkjet nozzles during printing is challenging due to the interference of protective windows with the dispensing process and the opacity of traditional reservoirs, which limits imaging to statistical performance evaluation and requires frequent window replacement.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with an annular mirror is used to monitor microfluidic ejector arrays without interfering with ejected material, allowing continuous imaging during printing by focusing light through a central aperture and using high frame-rate imaging systems and optical sensors to analyze the microfluidic ejectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective window is used to protect the optics during imaging, then the optics are protected from damage, but the window must be regularly replaced and interferes with the dispensing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the protective window from the optical path entirely. Instead of protecting the optics through a window, the system uses a telecentric optical configuration where the optics are positioned to view the nozzle array from above without requiring a protective barrier, thereby eliminating the need for window replacement while maintaining optics protection
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than protecting the optics by placing a window between the optics and the nozzles, the invention inverts the approach by using optical design (telecentric configuration) to achieve both protection and unobstructed viewing. The optics are arranged such that they are naturally protected while maintaining clear access to the dispensing process
2Strength
If traditional reservoirs with opaque bodies are used, then the reservoirs are structurally sound, but imaging cannot be performed through the reservoir surface
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the imaging function from the reservoir body. Instead of attempting to image through the opaque reservoir, the patent positions the optical system to image the nozzle array directly from above, segmenting the observation path from the reservoir structure and enabling clear imaging of the dispensing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from attempting to image through the reservoir body (one-dimensional transmission imaging) to imaging the nozzle array from above in a different spatial dimension. This top-down optical approach bypasses the opacity issue entirely by observing the nozzles from a dimension where the reservoir body does not interfere
3Measurement precision
If high resolution microscopy is performed during printing, then detailed nozzle analysis is possible, but the protective window interferes with the dispensing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical protective window with an optical solution (telecentric lens system). This substitution allows high-resolution imaging without the mechanical barrier that would interfere with droplet dispensing, maintaining both measurement precision and dispensing continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The telecentric optical configuration serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides high-resolution imaging capability, maintains unobstructed droplet dispensing paths, and protects the optical system. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by achieving both precise measurement and ease of operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables continuous, high-resolution imaging of microfluidic ejectors during operation without disrupting the printing process, allowing for real-time diagnostic information and improved nozzle performance analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The microscopy system includes an annular mirror, such as having a central aperture, placed in the optical path to focus the microscopy system on the microfluidic ejector array
Implementation Method 2
An optical system is focused on the microfluidic ejectors through the mirror
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for imaging microfluidic ejectors during operation. An example provides a microscopy system, that includes a plurality of microfluidic ejectors. A mirror is disposed in a droplet path of the plurality of microfluidic ejectors, wherein the droplet path passes through an opening in the mirror. An optical system is focused on the plurality of microfluidic ejectors through the mirror, wherein the optical system comprises a camera.