Impingement Jet Mounting for Precise Liquid Stream Patterning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for applying liquid streams to substrates face challenges in achieving precise and intricate pattern definition while ensuring sufficient liquid delivery, and they often have complex setups and inefficient liquid collection.
Innovation Solution
The system employs open face flow channels and a self-aligning modular assembly for liquid stream delivery, incorporating impingement jet directional passages to selectively divert liquid streams and a collection module to manage diverted flows, reducing residue buildup and enhancing pattern precision and collection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple liquid streams are expelled under pressure from orifice openings surrounded circumferentially by walls, then the liquid streams can be directed towards a target substrate, but the system complexity increases and pattern definition becomes difficult to improve
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid stream delivery system is divided into modular channel assemblies, each handling a specific liquid stream. The impingement jet system is also segmented into individual jet positions corresponding to each liquid stream. This segmentation allows independent optimization and control of each stream while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
A gas impingement jet is introduced as an intermediary mechanism to control the liquid stream direction. The gas jet acts as a mediator that can instantly redirect the liquid stream away from the substrate without requiring complex mechanical adjustments to the liquid delivery system itself, thereby improving pattern definition while maintaining system simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If orifice openings are arranged in close, side-by-side relation to provide fine scale treatment patterns, then pattern precision is improved, but liquid collection efficiency decreases and residue build-up increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system is positioned in a different spatial dimension below the substrate level. The collection channel is configured to receive diverted liquid streams from underneath, allowing efficient collection of closely spaced liquid streams without interfering with the precision patterning on the substrate surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of collecting liquid streams from the same side as application, the system inverts the collection approach by positioning the collection channel below the substrate. Diverted liquid streams are redirected downward into the collection channel, enabling efficient recovery without compromising pattern definition.
3Speed
If transverse gas jets are applied to redirect liquid streams away from the substrate, then instantaneous switching between application and diversion modes is achieved, but gas consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gas impingement jet system serves multiple functions: it acts as a switch to control liquid stream direction, provides a seal between adjacent liquid streams to prevent cross-contamination, and assists in directing diverted liquid streams into the collection channel. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic impingement jets for instantaneous control of liquid stream direction. By utilizing gas pressure control rather than mechanical movement, the system achieves rapid switching between application and diversion modes while maintaining relatively simple actuation 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
This approach enables precise and instantaneous control over liquid stream application, improving pattern definition, reducing system complexity, and facilitating efficient liquid collection without residue buildup, thereby enhancing the overall functionality and precision of liquid application systems.
Implementation Method 1
application of gaseous fluid impingement jets transverse to the normal flow direction of the liquid streams
Implementation Method 2
application of gaseous fluid impingement jets transverse to the normal flow direction of the liquid streams such as it is known from US 4,019,352 A
Data Source
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AI summary
An improved system for application of liquid streams to a substrate. The system incorporates open face flow channels for carrying the liquid away from fully enclosed flow segments prior to discharge along an unconstrained flow path. The present invention further provides an improved, self-aligning modular assembly for delivery of impingement jet to the liquid streams for diverting the direction of the liquid streams. The present invention further provides an improved arrangement for collection of the deflected liquid in response to application of the impingement jet without excess residue build-up.