Electrostatic Liquid Droplet Nozzle Head for Dynamic Pattern Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-nozzle heads face challenges in changing ejection patterns without requiring additional setup time due to fixed nozzle arrangements, and piezo type heads have limitations in reducing initial ejection amounts and scan speed for non-standard patterns.
Innovation Solution
A liquid droplet ejection device with a control unit that adjusts the relative positional relationship between electrostatic and piezoelectric nozzles, using a non-polar solvent to block specific nozzles and enable flexible pattern formation by controlling the ejection of droplets from a multi-nozzle head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed multi-nozzle head arrangement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different ejection patterns deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the nozzle configuration changeable during operation. The multi-nozzle head can dynamically reconfigure which nozzles are active or blocked based on the required ejection pattern, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different printing requirements without changing the physical hardware arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the operational state of nozzles (blocked vs. unblocked) rather than changing the physical nozzle arrangement. By controlling the blockage state of individual nozzles through software or control mechanisms, the system achieves different ejection patterns while maintaining the same physical nozzle head structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If piezo type nozzles are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision for fine droplets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical piezoelectric actuation system with an electrostatic field-based ejection system. Instead of using mechanical pressure or vibration from piezo elements, the invention uses electrostatic forces to eject droplets, achieving finer control over droplet size and placement precision while simplifying the mechanical complexity of the nozzle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental ejection mechanism parameter from mechanical (piezoelectric) to electrostatic. This parameter change enables finer droplet control because electrostatic fields can be more precisely controlled and focused, allowing for smaller and more accurate droplet ejection compared to the mechanical pressure waves generated by piezo elements.
3Manufacturing precision
If electrostatic ejection nozzles are used, then manufacturing precision for fine droplets is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-nozzle head where multiple nozzles share a common control architecture and structural design. This allows the system to handle different ejection patterns and materials using the same basic nozzle structure and control mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity despite the advanced electrostatic ejection capability of individual nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes segmentation by dividing the multi-nozzle head into independent, modular nozzle units. Each nozzle can be individually controlled and blocked, allowing the system to activate only the necessary nozzles for a given pattern. This modular segmentation simplifies the control system by breaking down the complex multi-nozzle control into manageable independent units.
4Adaptability or versatility
If nozzles are blocked to form patterns, then adaptability to complex patterns is improved, but loss of time for nozzle blocking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the multi-nozzle head with all necessary nozzles in place, and using rapid blockage mechanisms that can quickly activate or deactivate specific nozzles based on the required pattern. This eliminates the need for physical reconfiguration or setup time, as the blocking state can be changed instantly through control signals rather than mechanical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dynamics by implementing a rapidly switchable nozzle blockage system that can change the active nozzle configuration in real-time during operation. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to different pattern complexities without interruption or setup time, as the blocking state can be modified on-the-fly through electronic or pneumatic control mechanisms.
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 high-definition pattern formation with reduced setup time and effort, allowing for complex patterns to be formed quickly and efficiently using electrostatic ejection nozzles.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic ejection type inkjet head that can eject finer liquid droplets has attracted attention
Implementation Method 2
a so-called piezo type head that ejects liquid droplets by mechanical pressure or vibration
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid droplet ejection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure an object holding unit for holding an object; a first liquid droplet ejection unit having a plurality of first liquid droplet ejection nozzles configured to eject first droplets onto the object, the first liquid droplet ejection nozzle is an electrostatic ejection type nozzle; a second liquid droplet ejection unit having at least one second liquid droplet ejection nozzle configured to eject second droplets including a material different from the first droplet; and a control unit configured to control a relative positional relationship between the second liquid droplet ejection nozzle and the first liquid droplet ejection nozzle, wherein the second liquid droplet ejection unit blocks at least one first liquid droplet ejection nozzle among the plurality of first liquid droplet ejection nozzles by ejecting the second droplets.