Dispense Tip Outlet Deformation for Sub-Tool Diameter Dispensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for manufacturing dispense tips are limited in producing outlets smaller than those achievable by the smallest available machining tools or die casts, restricting the ability to control dispensing operations at fine dimensions and volumes, especially with the increasing demand for precision in semiconductor devices.
Innovation Solution
A method involving positioning the output end of the dispense tip's neck against a die surface and applying an external force with a punch to deform the neck, reducing the outlet hole diameter from a first diameter to a second diameter less than the first, forming a tapered outlet hole suitable for low-volume material dispensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional machining tools or die casts are used to form dispense tip outlets, then manufacturing process is simple and reliable, but outlet diameter cannot be reduced below a certain minimum size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first forming a larger-diameter outlet hole using conventional machining or die casting, then subsequently reducing the diameter through deformation processes. This two-step approach allows the use of simple, reliable conventional manufacturing for the initial form, followed by a specialized deformation process to achieve the final small diameter that would be difficult to obtain directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical machining or die casting with a deformation-based approach. Instead of removing material or forming the final shape directly through mechanical contact, the invention uses applied forces to deform the material into the desired small-diameter outlet shape, enabling dimensions below conventional machining limits.
2Manufacturing precision
If smaller outlet diameters are used for fine dimension dispensing, then dispensing precision is improved, but pressure requirements and clogging risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a tapered outlet hole geometry where the diameter varies along the length. The larger diameter at the inlet transitions to a smaller diameter at the outlet, allowing precise dispensing at the tip while maintaining larger flow cross-sections upstream. This local variation in diameter reduces clogging risk and pressure requirements while achieving fine dispensing precision at the outlet.
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 the creation of dispense tips with outlet diameters smaller than conventional limits, allowing for precise dispensing of fluid materials with dot or line patterns at geometries smaller than previously achievable, enhancing precision and reducing clogging and pressure requirements.
Implementation Method 1
applying an external force to the neck to cause the output end of the neck to deform under compression by the die surface
Implementation Method 2
cause the output end of the neck to deform under compression by the die surface, to reduce the diameter of the hole
Data Source
AI summary
A neck hole of a dispense tip is formed through a length of a body from an input end to an output end. An inlet hole is formed at a distal end of the neck hole, the inlet hole having a first inner diameter. An outlet hole is formed at a distal end of the inlet hole, the outlet hole having a second inner diameter less than the first. A first inner taper transitions the inlet hole from the first inner diameter to the second inner diameter. An outer taper is formed having a width that decreases along a longitudinal axis of the length of the neck hole at a distalmost end. The width of the outer taper is reduced at the distalmost end at the output end of the body of material from a first outer width to a second outer width less than the first outer width.