Electrostatic Multi-Nozzle Liquid Ejection for Rectangular Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrostatic ejection type inkjet heads form structures with arc-shaped cross-sections due to surface tension and wettability, limiting the formation of alternative shapes.

Innovation Solution

A liquid droplet ejection method using a multi-nozzle head with electrostatic nozzles arranged at specific intervals, scanning at controlled speeds, and ejecting droplets multiple times to form structures with varied shapes, such as rectangular cross-sections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a conventional electrostatic ejection type inkjet head is used to eject liquid droplets, then fine liquid droplets can be ejected, but the cross section of the formed structure is limited to arc shape due to surface tension and wettability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross-sectional shape of formed structureVSAvoidvariety of formable shapes
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the ejection process into multiple segments by using multiple nozzles (first nozzle and second nozzle) to eject droplets at different positions and times. The first nozzle ejects a droplet at a first position, then the head scans to a second position where the second nozzle ejects another droplet. This segmented approach allows formation of complex structures with rectangular cross-sections that cannot be achieved by single-nozzle ejection alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic control of the multi-nozzle head scanning motion at predetermined scanning speeds between 0.00001 m/s and 1 m/s. By controlling the scanning speed and coordination between nozzles, the system dynamically adjusts droplet placement to form structures with rectangular cross-sections, transforming the static arc-shaped limitation into a dynamically controllable geometric form.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Shape

If multiple nozzles are used to form rectangular structures, then new cross-sectional shapes can be achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverectangular cross-sectional shapeVSAvoidmulti-nozzle head configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-nozzle head is designed with multiple nozzles arranged at predetermined nozzle intervals (20 μm to 500 μm) that can perform multiple functions: ejecting droplets at different positions, forming different structure shapes, and operating at various scanning speeds. This universal design allows the same device to create both simple and complex structures, justifying the increased complexity through enhanced functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 the formation of new cross-sectional shapes, including rectangular structures, suitable for applications like partition walls, by controlling nozzle spacing and scanning speed.

Implementation Method 1

an electrostatic ejection type inkjet head that can eject finer liquid droplets has attracted attention

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic ejection: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP4603195A1Liquid drop ejection method and liquid drop ejection device
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 SIJTECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP4603195A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4603195A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4603195A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A liquid droplet ejection method includes using a multi-nozzle head including a plurality of electrostatic liquid droplet ejection nozzles arranged at predetermined nozzle intervals in a first direction and ejecting liquid droplets, ejecting a first liquid droplet from a first electrostatic liquid droplet ejection nozzle of the plurality of electrostatic liquid droplet ejection nozzles to a first liquid droplet ejection position of an object, scanning the multi-nozzle head in the first direction at a predetermined scanning speed, ejecting a second liquid droplet from a second liquid droplet ejection nozzle of the plurality of electrostatic liquid droplet ejection nozzles to the first liquid droplet ejection position, and ejecting a first liquid droplet from the first liquid droplet ejection nozzle to a second liquid droplet ejection position, wherein a shape of a first structure formed by the first liquid droplet and the second liquid droplet at the first position and a shape of a second structure formed by the first liquid droplet at the second position are different.