Ink Supply Module Flow Path Segmentation for Display Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the manufacturing of display devices, existing ink supply systems face challenges in maintaining a stable ink flow rate and preventing ink precipitation, which can lead to blockages and affect the target inflow rate required by the ink discharge module.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an ink supply module with a storage portion, a first flow path connecting to the ink discharge module, and a recovery flow path that branches into multiple paths with identical cross-sectional areas and shapes to ensure stable ink distribution and recovery, reducing the risk of ink precipitation and achieving the desired flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ink flows at high flow rate from storage portion to ink discharge module, then ink supply efficiency is improved, but ink precipitation and blockages occur
Solution Approach 1:
The supply flow path is divided into multiple segments with different flow rate characteristics. The first supply flow path portion includes a flexible material section that can expand and contract to regulate flow, while the second supply flow path portion has different cross-sectional area characteristics. This segmentation allows the ink to flow at high speed initially then slow down gradually, preventing precipitation while maintaining supply efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the supply flow path are designed with different local qualities - the flexible material section has elastic properties for flow regulation, while other sections have specific cross-sectional areas optimized for their function. This local quality variation enables each section to perform its specific function in controlling ink flow rate and preventing blockages.
2Device complexity
If single flow path is used from storage portion to ink discharge module, then device complexity is reduced, but ink flow rate control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into multiple portions (first supply flow path portion with flexible material, second supply flow path portion with different cross-sectional area) that work together to achieve precise flow rate control. This segmentation provides fine-grained control over ink flow without requiring complex external control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible material section introduces dynamic characteristics to the flow path, allowing it to automatically adjust and regulate ink flow based on pressure and flow rate conditions. This dynamic regulation achieves precise flow rate control while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Productivity
If recovery flow path is added to recycle ink from ink discharge module to storage portion, then ink utilization efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supply flow path and recovery flow path are merged into an integrated system where ink can circulate between storage portion and ink discharge module through different paths. This merging allows ink to be reused efficiently while sharing common components like the storage portion and flow path structure, thereby improving ink utilization without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path structure serves multiple functions - the first flow path supplies ink to the discharge module while the second flow path recovers ink back to storage. This multi-functionality allows a single integrated structure to perform both supply and recovery operations, improving ink utilization efficiency without requiring entirely separate systems.
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 configuration ensures a stable ink flow rate to the ink discharge module, preventing precipitation and blockages, and meets the target inflow rate requirements, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the ink supply process.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow path connecting the storage portion to the ink discharge module in a way such that ink stored in the storage portion flow into the ink discharge module
Implementation Method 2
a second flow path connecting the storage portion to the ink discharge module in a way such that ink supplied to the ink discharge module flows into the storage portion
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for manufacturing a display device includes: a stage on which a display substrate is arranged; an ink discharge module which discharges ink onto the display substrate; and an ink supply module which supplies ink to the ink discharge module. The ink supply module includes: a storage portion in which ink is stored; a first flow path connecting the storage portion to the ink discharge module in a way such that ink stored in the storage portion flows into the ink discharge module; and a second flow path connecting the storage portion to the ink discharge module in a way such that ink supplied to the ink discharge module flows into the storage portion.