Liquid Droplet Ejection Apparatus Defect Inspection Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid droplet ejection apparatuses have inefficient dot defect detection cycles, increasing cycle time and reducing drawing operation efficiency due to the need to move the head unit between the drawing area and the dot defect detection unit, which are positioned at different locations.
Innovation Solution
A liquid droplet ejection apparatus with an ejection-defect test unit that includes a drawn unit for creating a test pattern and an image capturing mechanism, allowing for efficient inspection of ejection defects by moving the head unit relative to the drawn unit on the same scan axis, reducing the need for additional movement during defect detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dot defect detection unit is located at a position shifted from the moving area of the substrate transport table, then the ejection defect can be inspected, but the cycle time for dot defect detection is increased and drawing operation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dot defect detection unit with the substrate transport table moving area, positioning the detection unit at the same location where substrates are transported. This allows the detection unit to inspect ejection defects during the substrate transport process without requiring separate movement of the head unit, thereby reducing the cycle time for dot defect detection while maintaining inspection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs dot defect detection during the substrate transport process, which is a preliminary action before the actual drawing operation. By inspecting the ejection defects while the substrate is being transported to the drawing area, the system can identify and address issues before they affect production, reducing overall cycle time without compromising inspection quality
2Reliability
If the head unit is moved to the dot defect detection unit for inspection, then ejection defects can be detected, but additional movement time is required and drawing efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dot defect detection function with the existing substrate transport process by positioning the detection unit within the moving area of the substrate transport table. This eliminates the need for separate head unit movement to dedicated detection locations, allowing defect inspection to occur during normal substrate handling operations and maintaining drawing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the substrate transport table moving area serve multiple functions: it is both the area where substrates are transported for drawing operations and the location where dot defect detection is performed. This multi-functional design allows the same spatial area to support both substrate handling and defect inspection without requiring additional dedicated spaces or movements
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 arrangement reduces the time required for ejection defect inspection, thereby decreasing the total tact time and enhancing drawing efficiency on the workpiece by allowing defect detection during workpiece mounting and dismounting operations.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiving unit for causing each ejection nozzle of the functional liquid droplet ejection head to eject functional droplets for testing to optically detect the presence of the functional liquid droplet
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid droplet ejection apparatus performs a drawing operation on a workpiece set on a set table by driving the ejection of a functional liquid droplet ejection head in a head unit while moving the head unit in a main scanning direction relative to the set table. The liquid droplet ejection apparatus includes an ejection defect test unit for inspecting an ejection defect of the functional liquid droplet ejection head. The ejection defect test unit includes a drawn unit on which a predetermined test pattern is drawn by test ejection from the functional liquid droplet ejection head and ejection-defect determination means for determining the ejection defect by capturing an image of the test pattern drawn on the ejection-defect test unit and recognizing the image. The drawn unit is disposed on a scan moving axis offset from the set table towards the main scanning direction.