E-jet Printing Charge Retention via Electrostatic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrohydrodynamic jet (e-jet) printing systems focus on accurate liquid droplet placement but neglect the preservation and retention of charge on the substrate surface, leading to undesirable charge build-up and dissipation issues.
Innovation Solution
The method involves careful control of the e-jet printing process to maximize the transfer and retention of charge on the substrate surface, using techniques such as encapsulation with an insulating layer and environmental control to minimize charge dissipation, allowing for long-term retention of printed charge patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional e-jet printing focuses on accurate liquid droplet placement, then manufacturing precision is improved, but charge retention deteriorates due to neglect of charge preservation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the charge printing function from bulk fluid deposition by using charged droplets that transfer charge without significant fluid transfer, allowing independent optimization of placement accuracy and charge retention
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical parameters of the printable fluid by introducing net charge to droplets, enabling the fluid to induce opposite charge on the substrate through electrostatic induction, thereby achieving charge printing without bulk fluid transfer
2Reliability
If charge is transferred to substrate surface during e-jet printing, then charge printing is achieved, but charge dissipation worsens due to charge build-up on substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the charge from the printable fluid and transfers it to the substrate, while minimizing or eliminating bulk fluid transfer through controlled droplet evaporation or rebound, thereby achieving charge transfer without charge dissipation
Solution Approach 2:
The charged droplet acts as an intermediary that carries charge from the nozzle to the substrate, transferring charge through electrostatic induction and then evaporating or rebounding before significant charge dissipation can occur
3Reliability
If printable fluid is ejected with net charge to print charge patterns, then charge printing is achieved, but bulk fluid transfer worsens leading to unwanted fluid deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the electrical state of the droplet by charging it, which enables charge transfer through electrostatic induction to the substrate, allowing charge printing with minimal bulk fluid transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses periodic pulsing of the charged droplets onto the substrate, allowing controlled charge transfer followed by droplet rebound or evaporation before significant bulk fluid deposition occurs
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 approach enables high-resolution, long-term retention of charge patterns on the substrate surface, enhancing applications in electronics, photovoltaics, and security features by maintaining charge integrity and preventing unwanted dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
An ejected printable fluid containing net charge is generated from the nozzle. The ejected printable fluid containing net charge is directed to the substrate surface, wherein the net charge does not substantially degrade and the net charge on the substrate surface is retained, thereby printing a pattern of charge on the substrate surface.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are methods of printing a pattern of charge on a substrate surface, such as by electrohydrodynamic (e-jet) printing. The methods relate to providing a nozzle containing a printable fluid, providing a substrate having a substrate surface and generating from the nozzle an ejected printable fluid containing net charge. The ejected printable fluid containing net charge is directed to the substrate surface, wherein the net charge does not substantially degrade and the net charge retained on the substrate surface. Also provided are functional devices made by any of the disclosed methods.