Droplet Discharge Device Using Liquid Ejection Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional droplet discharge devices face inefficiencies in mounting and aligning jigs for printing on three-dimensional surfaces, requiring manual precision and increasing operator workload, especially when dealing with varied medium sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A droplet discharge device equipped with a vacuum table, a droplet discharge unit, a relative movement unit, a holding-platform information acquiring unit, and a discharge control unit, which uses registration marks, barcode detection, and RFID/IC chip readers to automatically identify and align the holding platform, reducing manual intervention and improving positional accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a piezoelectric element is used to discharge droplets, then droplet discharge can be achieved, but bacteria may be attached to the piezoelectric element and cause contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic function of droplet discharge from the piezoelectric element by introducing a dedicated discharge electrode. The piezoelectric element is separated into its original role of generating mechanical vibration, while the discharge electrode handles droplet ejection, preventing bacterial attachment to the piezoelectric element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a liquid ejection layer as an intermediary between the piezoelectric element and the droplet discharge function. This layer receives vibration from the piezoelectric element and transfers it to the liquid, enabling droplet discharge without direct contact between the piezoelectric element and the liquid, thus preventing bacterial contamination.
2Productivity
If droplets are discharged using conventional methods, then droplet formation is achieved, but satellite droplets are generated causing misalignment and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration to the liquid ejection layer using a piezoelectric element, which controls the detachment of droplets from the liquid column. By adjusting the vibration frequency and amplitude, the system can precisely control droplet formation and eliminate satellite droplets, ensuring accurate droplet placement.
3Productivity
If the piezoelectric element surface is made hydrophobic, then droplet discharge is improved, but bacteria can still attach to the element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the droplet discharge function from the piezoelectric element surface by introducing a separate liquid ejection layer and discharge electrode. This allows the piezoelectric element to maintain its hydrophobic surface for optimal droplet discharge while preventing direct bacterial attachment to the element itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid ejection layer acts as an intermediary that interfaces with the hydrophobic piezoelectric element surface while being the actual source of droplet discharge. This mediator layer prevents bacteria from attaching to the piezoelectric element while maintaining the benefits of the hydrophobic surface for droplet formation.
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
This solution enhances work efficiency by automating the alignment process, allowing for precise and rapid adaptation to different medium shapes and sizes, thereby reducing operator workload and improving printing quality.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element 14 that vibrates the liquid ejection layer 12 in a vertical direction
Implementation Method 2
vibrates the liquid ejection layer 12 at a resonance frequency
Implementation Method 3
a liquid ejection layer 12 that holds liquid 2 by surface tension
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A printer (1) comprises: a vacuum table (13) for supporting a jig (50) which holds a medium (8); a printer head (32) for discharging droplets; and a relative movement means (40) for moving the printer head (32) relative to the medium (8); a registration mark detection unit (34) and barcode detection unit (35) for acquiring holding platform information (61) and support position information (62) for the jig (50); and a controller (22) for controlling the movement of the printer head (32) by the relative movement means (40) and controlling the discharge of droplets from the printer head (32) on the basis of the holding platform information (61), the support position information (62) and information pertaining to the desired pattern. As a result of this configuration, it is possible to generate image data without aligning the jig (50) with a reference position on the vacuum table (13).