Multi-nozzle EHD Printing with Diverter Streams
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrohydrodynamic printing technologies face limitations in scalability and accuracy due to interference from deposited ink with the electric field and require conductive printing surfaces, which restricts larger-scale commercialization and precision.
Innovation Solution
A printer design that includes a nozzle for electrostatically extracting and directing printing fluid, with a diverter system to selectively interrupt the fluid stream, allowing some fluid to be diverted away from the printing surface, using intersecting jets of fluid and independently controllable diverters to manage the fluid streams and eliminate inter-nozzle crosstalk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If electrohydrodynamic printing is used to achieve high-resolution printing, then printing resolution is improved, but deposited ink interferes with the electric field causing consistency problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the printing fluid from the conductive surface requirement by using a non-conductive substrate and extracting fluid through electrostatic fields generated by extractors positioned away from the printing surface. This separates the printing function from the conductive surface dependency, allowing high-resolution printing without field interference from deposited ink.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using director nozzles and diverters that manipulate the fluid stream between the extractor and the printing surface. These intermediary components control fluid direction and prevent direct deposition on the substrate, thereby maintaining electric field consistency while enabling precise printing.
2Device complexity
If a conductive printing surface is used for electrohydrodynamic printing, then electric field generation is simplified, but scalability and commercialization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system universal by eliminating the requirement for conductive printing surfaces. The extractor and director nozzle configuration works with any substrate material, enabling the same printing mechanism to be applied across diverse applications and surfaces, thereby improving scalability and commercialization potential.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/conductive surface-based electric field generation with an electrostatic field approach using isolated extractors. This substitution eliminates the need for conductive substrates and allows the system to be adapted to various non-conductive surfaces, enhancing versatility and scalability.
3Productivity
If multiple nozzles are used to increase printing density, then productivity is improved, but crosstalk interference between nozzles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid control system by assigning independent diverters to each nozzle. This segmentation allows each nozzle's fluid stream to be independently controlled and directed, preventing crosstalk interference between adjacent nozzles while maintaining high printing density through parallel operation of multiple nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality control by providing individual diverters for each nozzle, enabling localized manipulation of fluid streams. Each nozzle can be independently controlled to deposit fluid only where needed, preventing interference with adjacent nozzles and maintaining precise printing patterns at high density.
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 high-resolution, high-density printing without the need for conductive surfaces, reduces crosstalk interference, and allows for precise control of printed patterns by diverting fluid streams, enhancing scalability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle from which a stream of printing fluid is electrostatically extracted and directed toward a printing surface
Implementation Method 2
the director nozzle provides a first jet of fluid to direct the stream of printing fluid toward the printing surface
Implementation Method 3
the diverter nozzle provides a second jet of fluid to selectively divert printing fluid from the stream of printing fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a nozzle from which a stream of printing fluid is electrostatically extracted and directed toward a printing surface. A diverter can selectively interrupt the stream of printing fluid so that at least some of the extracted printing fluid is not deposited on the printing surface. Another stream of printing fluid can be extracted from another nozzle in a different direction from the first. Respective diverters can selectively and independently interrupt each stream of printing fluid to control which portions of the extracted fluids are deposited over the printing surface. Diverted printing fluid can be collected and reused. The diverters allow for a more constant or uniform extraction field while permitting selective deposition of ink droplets similar to drop-on-demand printing schemes.