Compact Inkjet Printing Equipment for Micro OLED Encapsulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inkjet printing equipment is not suitable for micro OLED displays due to its large size and the generation of contaminants during the thin film encapsulation process, which limits the precision and cleanliness of the printing operation.
Innovation Solution
A compact inkjet printing equipment design that includes a work holder for linear movement, a head part for X-axis movement, an ink curing part, and an enclosure for integrated printing and curing within a single unit, minimizing contamination and particle generation by preventing the transfer of the head and ink curing parts and using ultraviolet-blocking components to prevent ink curing on the equipment surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional inkjet printing equipment is used, then printing capability is achieved, but equipment size is large and contaminants are generated during printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inkjet printing head and UV curing lamp into a single integrated assembly that moves together as one unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate printing and curing equipment, reducing overall equipment size while maintaining printing capability and minimizing contaminants through a more compact, controlled design
2Ease of operation
If head part is transferred downward directly onto substrate, then printing operation is performed, but particles are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a purging cup as an intermediary component between the printing head and substrate. The purging cup collects excess ink and particles that would otherwise be transferred to the substrate, acting as a mediator that prevents particle contamination while allowing the printing operation to proceed normally
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate cooling device and UV curing device are installed, then printing and curing functions are achieved, but equipment size is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the UV curing device with the printing head assembly, creating a single integrated unit that performs both printing and curing functions. This eliminates the need for separate cooling and curing equipment, significantly reducing equipment size while maintaining full printing and curing capability
4Productivity
If ink is scattered on equipment during printing, then printing operation is performed, but ink is cured together with printed ink during UV curing
Solution Approach 1:
The purging cup serves as an intermediary that captures scattered ink during printing, preventing it from being cured along with the printed ink. By collecting excess ink in the purging cup, the system ensures that only the intended printed patterns are cured, maintaining printing quality while allowing continuous printing 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
The compact design reduces equipment size, minimizes contamination, and enhances printing precision by maintaining a clean environment within the enclosure, reducing defects caused by temperature imbalances and material deformations during the printing and curing processes.
Implementation Method 1
an ink curing part (4000) which cures the ink sprayed on the object by irradiating ultraviolet light
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet printing equipment includes a work holder which fixes the object to be printed, a work holder moving part which allows the work holder to be linearly movable in a Y-axis direction, a base on which the work holder moving part is installed, a head part which is installed on the base and sprays an ink onto the object to be printed, a head part moving part which moves the head part in an X-axis direction and is installed above the base, an ink curing part installed above the work holder and on a moving path of the work holder in the Y-axis direction, and an enclosure which covers all of the work holder, the head part, and the ink curing part.