Non-Cartesian Inkjet Printing Head with Curved Nozzle Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-Cartesian inkjet printing systems face challenges with non-uniform spatial resolution due to curved scanning directions, leading to variations in drop density and layer thickness, which existing solutions fail to address optimally by altering dispensing frequencies that affect droplet quality.
Innovation Solution
A printing head with a nozzle array featuring a non-uniform pitch that decreases away from the proximal end and nozzles arranged over a curved line, with a pitch variation inversely proportional to the distance from the center, ensures consistent drop density without altering dispensing frequencies, and a controller adjusts the printing head's position to minimize pitch differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a uniform pitch nozzle array is used in non-Cartesian inkjet printing, then the device structure is simple, but the drop density becomes non-uniform across the printing area
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle array is designed with non-uniform pitch where the spacing between adjacent nozzles varies along the array length. Specifically, the pitch decreases in the radial direction from the center of rotation, creating local variations in nozzle spacing that compensate for the non-uniform linear velocity distribution in non-Cartesian printing systems. This ensures uniform drop density across the entire printing area while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If the dispensing frequency is altered to compensate for non-uniform drop density, then the drop density uniformity improves, but the droplet mass and velocity are affected
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the dispensing frequency parameter, the invention modifies the geometric parameter of the nozzle array (pitch distribution). By adjusting the spatial arrangement of nozzles rather than the temporal dispensing parameters, the system achieves uniform drop density while preserving the original droplet mass and velocity characteristics that are critical for print quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If a curved nozzle array is used to match the scanning path, then the drop density uniformity improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle array is configured along a curved path that matches the non-Cartesian scanning trajectory. The curved arrangement of nozzles, combined with the non-uniform pitch distribution, ensures that drops are deposited at uniform intervals along the curved scanning path. This geometric configuration compensates for the varying linear velocity in non-Cartesian systems while maintaining manufacturability through precise nozzle positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing head for inkjet printing comprises: a manifold having a channel for holding material formulation therein; and an array of controllable nozzles fluidly connected to the channel for dispensing the material formulation by inkjet technology. In an embodiment, the array of nozzles is characterized by a pitch that varies along the array. In an embodiment, the nozzles are arranged over a curved line engaging a horizontal plane.