Droplet Discharge Device Temperature Control for Film Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing droplet discharge devices face challenges in maintaining precise control over the discharge amount due to temperature variations, which affect the viscosity of droplets and subsequently the flow resistance, leading to inconsistencies in the formation of functional films with uniform thickness and shape.
Innovation Solution
A droplet discharge device equipped with a temperature acquisition unit to measure the temperature of the droplet, a temperature adjustment unit to adjust the droplet temperature to match the formation conditions, and a discharge amount measurement and adjustment unit to ensure precise discharge amounts, even across multiple nozzle groups with common paths or individual nozzles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the discharge device is driven with heating sources, then the discharge amount can be increased, but the temperature variation causes viscosity changes and discharge amount inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the temperature of the droplet to a predetermined temperature that matches the temperature during pattern formation. This ensures that the viscosity and discharge characteristics measured during calibration are consistent with those during actual operation, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high discharge amounts and ensuring discharge consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual temperature of the droplet and using this information to adjust the discharge amount. The temperature acquisition unit monitors temperature variations, and this data is fed back to correct discharge parameters, ensuring consistent discharge amounts despite temperature fluctuations from heating sources.
2Productivity
If the discharge device operates continuously during pattern formation, then productivity is improved, but temperature variations during operation cause discharge amount instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the discharge amount at a temperature that matches the pattern formation temperature before actual production. This preliminary calibration at the correct temperature ensures that subsequent continuous operation maintains discharge stability, resolving the contradiction between continuous operation capability and discharge stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter to match between measurement and operation conditions. By ensuring the droplet temperature during discharge amount measurement is the same as during pattern formation, the system maintains discharge stability during continuous operation, enabling both high productivity and reliability.
3Device complexity
If multiple nozzle groups with common paths are used, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature differences between nozzles cause discharge amount variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the temperature of droplets from different nozzle groups to a common predetermined temperature. This temperature normalization compensates for temperature differences caused by common path configurations, ensuring uniform discharge amounts across all nozzles while maintaining the simplified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by individually adjusting the temperature of droplets from each nozzle group to match the pattern formation temperature. This localized temperature control ensures that each nozzle group operates at optimal conditions despite structural similarities, maintaining discharge uniformity across the entire device.
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 enables precise measurement and adjustment of discharge amounts, minimizing temperature-induced variations and ensuring consistent film formation with precise planar shape and thickness, even when nozzle temperatures differ, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of the droplet discharge process.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature adjustment unit adjusts a temperature of the droplet in the measurement of the discharge amount by the discharge amount measurement unit to the temperature in the formation of the predetermined pattern
Implementation Method 2
the temperature adjustment unit adjusts a temperature of the droplet in the measurement of the discharge amount by the discharge amount measurement unit to the temperature in the formation of the predetermined pattern
Implementation Method 3
a discharge amount measurement unit measuring a discharge amount of the droplet discharged from the discharge unit
Implementation Method 4
It is known that a viscosity of a droplet varies depending on a temperature. In a droplet discharge device, the variation of viscosity of the droplet varies flow resistance of the droplet
Data Source
AI summary
A droplet discharge device includes: a discharge unit discharging a droplet and being moved relatively to a discharged object, on which the droplet is discharged, so as to form a predetermined pattern on the discharged object; a discharge amount measurement unit measuring a discharge amount of the droplet discharged from the discharge unit; a temperature acquisition unit acquiring a temperature of the droplet in the formation of the predetermined pattern; a temperature adjustment unit adjusting the temperature of the discharge unit; and a discharge amount adjustment unit adjusting the discharge amount of the discharge unit. In the device, the temperature adjustment unit adjusts a temperature of the droplet in the measurement of the discharge amount by the discharge amount measurement unit to the temperature in the formation of the predetermined pattern.