Inkjet Printing Device Dipole Alignment Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current inkjet printing devices lack the capability to perform ink spraying, dipole alignment, and alignment inspection in a connected process, leading to errors in ink quantity and dipole alignment during the printing process.

Innovation Solution

An inkjet printing device equipped with a stage unit, inkjet head unit, heat treatment device, and sensing units for measuring ink position, dipole alignment, and quantity, allowing for integrated ink spraying, dipole alignment, and inspection to ensure accurate alignment and quantity control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If inkjet printing is used to transfer inorganic LED elements or form organic layers, then printing capability is improved, but errors in ink quantity and dipole alignment occur during the printing process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting capabilityVSAvoidink quantity and dipole alignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by measuring the actual ink quantity and dipole alignment during the printing process using sensing units, and adjusting the printing parameters in real-time based on these measurements to correct deviations from the target values

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment methods with an electric field-based dipole alignment system, where electric fields are applied to align dipoles in the ink before and after printing, enabling more precise control over dipole orientation without mechanical contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If separate processes are used for ink spraying, dipole alignment, and inspection, then process simplicity is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to multiple sequential steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the ink spraying, dipole alignment, and inspection functions into a single integrated inkjet printing device, where the printing unit, alignment unit with electric fields, and sensing units work together in one system, eliminating the need for separate sequential processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The inkjet printing device is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating not only the ink ejection capability but also integrated electric field generation for dipole alignment and sensing units for real-time measurement, allowing one device to perform multiple functions that were previously requiring separate equipment

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

3Manufacturing precision

If post-treatment processes are added after inkjet printing, then dipole alignment quality is improved, but manufacturing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedipole alignment qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies electric fields for dipole alignment before the ink is fully printed and cured, performing the alignment action in advance during the printing process itself rather than as a subsequent post-treatment step, thereby eliminating additional manufacturing time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 device improves dipole alignment on a target substrate by minimizing errors in ink quantity and alignment, enhancing the reliability of the printing process and the quality of the display device manufacturing.

Implementation Method 1

a heat treatment device configured to remove the solvent sprayed onto the stage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

a transfer method using a dielectrophoresis (DEP) method has been developed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Data Source

PatentEP3907082B1Inkjet printing device, dipole aligning method, and display device manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3907082B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3907082B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3907082B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are an inkjet printing device, a dipole aligning method, and a display device manufacturing method. The inkjet printing device comprises: a stage unit including a stage; an inkjet head unit including at least one inkjet head that sprays ink onto the stage, the ink containing dipoles and a solvent in which the dipoles are dispersed; a heat treatment device for removing the solvent sprayed onto the stage; a first sensing unit for measuring a position of the ink sprayed onto the stage from the inkjet head; a second sensing unit for measuring a position of the inkjet head; and a third sensing unit for measuring positions of the dipoles sprayed onto the stage.