Bent Nozzle Tip for Precision Inkjet Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing precision is compromised when the nozzle unit moves in the Z axial direction due to significant changes in the hitting position of droplets caused by the inclined angle of the nozzle unit, especially in electrostatic jet printers using the electrohydrodynamic method.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with an obliquely disposed nozzle unit featuring a bended nozzle tip and an optical unit for observing the hitting point from above the substrate, allowing for precise alignment and high precision printing even when moving the nozzle unit in the Z axial direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the nozzle unit is obliquely disposed to eject ink in an inclined direction, then printing can be performed while observing the hitting point from above the substrate, but the hitting precision deteriorates when the nozzle unit moves in the Z axial direction
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle tip is bent into a curved shape so that while the nozzle body remains obliquely disposed for observability, the ejection surface is oriented perpendicular to the substrate. This curvature allows the ink to be ejected vertically onto the substrate even though the nozzle body is inclined, thereby maintaining hitting precision while preserving the advantage of observing the hitting point from above.
2Area of stationary object
If the nozzle unit moves in the Z axial direction during printing, then printing can be performed on large substrates, but the hitting position changes significantly due to the inclined angle
Solution Approach 1:
The bent nozzle tip geometry ensures that the ejection direction remains perpendicular to the substrate regardless of the nozzle unit's Z axial position. This allows the printing apparatus to move freely in the Z direction to accommodate large substrates while maintaining consistent hitting position accuracy throughout the printing process.
3Measurement precision
If the nozzle body is obliquely disposed, then the optical unit can observe the hitting point from above, but the electric field distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
By bending the nozzle tip, the ejection surface is reoriented to be perpendicular to the substrate while the nozzle body remains obliquely disposed for optical observation. This configuration ensures uniform electric field distribution at the ejection point, resulting in uniform droplet distribution on the substrate, while preserving the ability of the optical unit to observe the hitting point from above.
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
Maintains high hitting precision by reducing the inclination angle of ink ejection and concentrating the electric field for uniform droplet distribution, enhancing the accuracy and precision of ink placement on the substrate.
Implementation Method 1
an optical unit for expanding and displaying a hitting point of ink, from above a substrate
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle unit for ejecting the ink... may eject the ink using an electrostatic force caused by a potential difference between the electrode and the substrate
Implementation Method 3
electrostatic jet printers using the electrohydrodynamic method
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a printing apparatus, and the printing apparatus according to the present disclosure includes an optical unit for expanding and displaying a hitting point of ink, from above a substrate; and a nozzle unit for ejecting the ink, wherein the nozzle unit includes a nozzle body that is obliquely disposed with respect to the substrate; and a nozzle that is coupled to the nozzle body, and has a flow path from which the ink is ejected, and has a tip that is bended towards the substrate.