Inkjet Application Device Bubble Separation Filter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inkjet application devices face challenges in applying liquid materials with dispersed particles effectively due to air bubbles generated during pumping, which mix with particles and hinder proper application through the inkjet head.

Innovation Solution

An inkjet application device with a distribution flow path that includes a filter in the supply tank to separate air bubbles from particles, allowing only particles to pass through, and a circulation system to prevent sedimentation and maintain continuous flow, ensuring uniform particle dispersion and stable nozzle operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If particles are dispersed in the liquid material for inkjet application, then the liquid material can form functional layers (active material or solid electrolyte), but air bubbles generated during pumping mix with particles and cause discharge abnormalities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayer formation qualityVSAvoiddischarge stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flow path is segmented into multiple channels: a first flow channel supplies liquid material to a supply tank, while a second flow channel supplies liquid material from the supply tank to the inkjet head. This segmentation allows air bubbles to be trapped in the supply tank while particles flow continuously through the inkjet head, resolving the contradiction between layer formation quality and discharge stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supply tank acts as an intermediary component between the liquid material source and the inkjet head. It receives liquid material containing air bubbles from the first flow channel and provides bubble-free liquid material to the second flow channel, thereby mediating the conflict between particle dispersion requirements and discharge reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a filter is added to separate air bubbles from particles in the supply tank, then discharge stability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge stabilityVSAvoidflow path structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supply tank is designed to automatically separate air bubbles from liquid material using buoyancy and gravity, without requiring additional active filtering components. The tank structure itself provides the separation function, maintaining discharge stability while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If the liquid material flows continuously through the pump and flow channels, then particle dispersion is maintained, but air bubbles are generated and mixed with particles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle dispersion uniformityVSAvoidair bubble generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous pumping action that generates air bubbles is converted into a beneficial process by directing the bubbly liquid material to the supply tank, where bubbles naturally rise and separate. The harmful air bubbles generated during pumping become useful for automatic separation in the supply tank, maintaining particle dispersion while eliminating discharge abnormalities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

The solution enables effective application of liquid materials with particles by preventing air bubbles from reaching the inkjet head, reducing discharge abnormalities and maintaining a stable meniscus, thus ensuring high-quality layer formation in battery manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

the supply tank accommodates a filter, which is configured to allow the particles in the liquid material to pass therethrough without allowing air bubbles in the liquid material to pass therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a first flow channel configured to supply the liquid material pumped with a pump to a supply tank

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS11628464B2Inkjet application device and device for manufacturing battery

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 ISHII HYOKI

AI summary

Provided is an inkjet application device (1) including a distribution flow path for the liquid material, the distribution flow path including a first flow channel (4) configured to supply the liquid material pumped with a pump (2) to a supply tank (3) and a second flow channel (6) configured to supply the liquid material in the supply tank (3) to the inkjet head (5), wherein the supply tank (3) accommodates a filter (40), which is configured to allow the particles in the liquid material to pass therethrough without allowing air bubbles in the liquid material, which are generated by the pumping of the pump (2), to pass therethrough.