Conductive Ink Composition for Uniform 3D EHD Pattern Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conductive ink technologies face challenges in precisely printing conductive patterns on three-dimensional substrates, resulting in complex processes and difficulties in achieving uniform line widths and pitches.
Innovation Solution
A conductive ink composition comprising a binder, a charge transfer element, a conductive element, and an electric field reaction element, which is applied using electrohydrodynamics (EHD) to form conformal conductive patterns on three-dimensional substrates, with the electric field reaction element being a water-soluble polymer that assists charge movement and is dissolved by a polar solvent, and the composition is optimized for precise printing with a solvent and thixotropy imparting agent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional printing methods are used on three-dimensional substrates, then printing can be performed, but the process becomes complicated and uniform line width and pitch cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical printing methods with electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing. The EHD printing system uses electric fields to control inkjet ejection and liquid flow, eliminating the need for complex mechanical movement along 3D surfaces. The electric field applies force to charged particles in the conductive ink, enabling precise deposition on three-dimensional substrates without complicated mechanical positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the printing system by introducing charged conductive ink and applying electric fields. By controlling voltage, electric field strength, and ink charge density, the system achieves uniform line width and pitch on 3D substrates. The electric field parameters can be precisely controlled to maintain consistent deposition patterns regardless of substrate geometry.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional printing methods are used on three-dimensional substrates, then printing can be performed, but precise printing with uniform line width and pitch is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning and movement systems with electric field control. Instead of mechanically moving the print head along intricate 3D paths, the EHD system uses electric fields to guide charged ink particles to their destination. This substitution dramatically improves printing precision while simplifying the operation, as electric field parameters can be programmed and controlled more easily than mechanical positioning on 3D surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces charged conductive ink as an intermediary medium between the printing system and the three-dimensional substrate. The charge on the ink particles enables them to respond to electric fields, providing a controllable mechanism for precise deposition. This charged intermediary allows the system to achieve high precision on complex 3D geometries without requiring equally complex mechanical systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If EHD printing is applied to three-dimensional substrates, then direct printing is enabled, but the ink composition must be optimized for charge movement and adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite conductive ink formulations containing multiple functional components: conductive particles (silver, copper, or carbon), binders for adhesion, charge transfer elements, and solvents. This composite structure enables the ink to simultaneously provide electrical conductivity, adhesion to diverse substrates, charge for EHD control, and appropriate flow characteristics. The multifunctional composite ink makes direct printing on 3D substrates feasible while managing the complexity through integrated material design.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive ink formulation is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing electrical conductivity through metal or carbon particles, ensuring adhesion via binder materials, enabling EHD control through charge transfer elements, and maintaining proper viscosity with solvents and thixotropic agents. This multi-functional ink composition allows direct printing on three-dimensional substrates without requiring separate systems for each function, thereby managing overall system complexity.
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 direct and precise formation of conductive wiring on three-dimensional substrates with uniform and fine line widths, improving the efficiency and accuracy of printing conductive patterns using the EHD principle.
Implementation Method 1
Electrohydrodynamics (EHD), first developed in the 1960s, is a field of study related to a method of controlling the flow of a liquid using an electric field
Implementation Method 2
When an electric field is applied, an electrical polarization force occurs between the electrode and the liquid, causing the fluid to move
Implementation Method 3
a conductive element that imparts conductivity to the conductive pattern
Implementation Method 4
a binder that imparts adhesion to the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a conductive ink composition for printing that is injected onto a substrate by an EHD method to form a conductive pattern, and includes: a binder that imparts adhesion to the substrate; a charge transfer element that provides a charge that moves by an electric field; and a conductive element that imparts conductivity to the conductive pattern.