Droplet Ejection Device Continuous Liquid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing droplet ejection devices with circulation mechanisms often require stopping the delivery of liquid material to the ejection head when transferring between tanks, disrupting continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A droplet ejection device with a control system that manages three tanks (supply, collection, and replenishment) using positive and negative pressure sources, along with switching and opening/closing valves, to ensure continuous liquid material delivery through different operational modes, allowing for uninterrupted ejection during tank transfers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a circulation mechanism is used to deliver liquid material between multiple tanks, then the liquid material can be transported from supply tank to collection tank, but the delivery to the ejection head must be stopped during transfers between arbitrary tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into three tanks (supply tank, collection tank, and replenishment tank) with separate flow passages and valves. This segmentation allows independent operation of each tank, enabling the replenishment tank to supply liquid material to the supply tank without interrupting the collection tank's reception from the supply tank, thus maintaining continuous delivery to the ejection head during transfers between arbitrary tanks
Solution Approach 2:
The replenishment tank acts as an intermediary between the supply tank and the collection tank. When the supply tank needs to deliver liquid material to the collection tank, the replenishment tank can simultaneously receive liquid material from the supply tank and deliver it to the collection tank through separate flow passages, ensuring continuous delivery without interruption during transfers between arbitrary tanks
2Productivity
If pressure adjustment mechanisms are used in each tank, then liquid material can be delivered between tanks, but pressure reversals may occur that prolong replenishment times
Solution Approach 1:
The control device opens the third opening/closing valve before the liquid level in the replenishment tank reaches a predetermined level. This preliminary action prevents pressure reversals by establishing the appropriate pressure condition in advance, thereby shortening the replenishment time and improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The control device monitors the liquid level in the replenishment tank and adjusts the opening/closing of the third opening/closing valve based on this feedback. When the liquid level reaches a predetermined level, the control device closes the third opening/closing valve to prevent pressure reversal, optimizing the replenishment process and reducing replenishment time
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 continuous delivery of liquid material to the ejection head during transitions between tanks, improving operational efficiency and accuracy by maintaining pressure differences and using sensors to manage liquid levels, while preventing pressure reversals that prolong replenishment times.
Implementation Method 1
a first positive pressure source that pressurizes the supply tank
Implementation Method 2
a first negative pressure source that depressurizes the collection tank
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
[Problem] To provide a droplet ejection device and a droplet ejection method with which a liquid material can be continuously delivered to an ejection head when the liquid material is delivered between arbitrary tanks. [Solution] Provided are a droplet ejection device and a droplet ejection method using the droplet ejection device, the droplet ejection device comprising a droplet ejection head; a supply tank that is in communication with a first positive pressure source; a collection tank that is in communication with a first negative pressure source; a replenishment tank that is in communication with the supply tank and the collection tank; an opening/closing valve A that opens and closes a flow passage communicating between the supply tank and the replenishment tank; an opening/closing valve B that opens and closes a flow passage communicating between the collection tank and the replenishment tank; a switching valve that switches communication between the replenishment tank and a second positive pressure source and communication between the replenishment tank and a second negative pressure source; and a control device, wherein the control device has an ejection mode in which a liquid material is ejected from the droplet ejection head, a replenishment mode in which the liquid material is delivered from the replenishment tank to the supply tank while the liquid material is delivered from the supply tank to the collection tank, and a collection mode in which the liquid material is delivered from the collection tank to the replenishment tank while the liquid material is delivered from the supply tank to the collection tank.