Inkjet Head Surface Coatings for Residue-Free Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inkjet heads used in manufacturing display devices face issues with ink residue and particle accumulation, leading to reduced ejection accuracy and durability due to uniform coating films.
Innovation Solution
The inkjet head is coated with different self-assembled monolayers on the head surface, inner wall, and flow path, each with distinct surface energies, using physical vapor deposition processes to ensure precise application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a uniform coating film is applied to the inkjet head, then the manufacturing process is simple, but ink residue and particle accumulation occur leading to reduced ejection accuracy and durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different coating films to different regions of the inkjet head: a first coating film on the head surface, a second coating film on the inner wall, and a third coating film on the flow path. Each coating has different material properties and surface energies tailored to its specific functional requirements, thereby preventing ink residue and particle accumulation in respective areas while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Reliability
If different coating films are applied to different parts of the inkjet head, then ink residue and particle retention are prevented, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent varies the surface energy parameters of different coating films to optimize their functions. The first coating film has lower surface energy to prevent particle adhesion on the head surface, while the second and third coating films have higher surface energies to facilitate ink flow and prevent residue in the inner wall and flow path respectively. This parameter optimization enables durable performance while managing manufacturing complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the head surface has low surface energy coating, then particle adhesion is reduced, but ink flow may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a gradient of surface energy properties across different regions: the head surface has low surface energy coating to minimize particle adhesion, while the inner wall and flow path have progressively higher surface energy coatings to ensure proper ink flow and prevent residue. This localized quality variation resolves the contradiction between particle resistance and ink flow maintenance.
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 effectively prevents ink residue and particle retention, enhancing ejection accuracy and durability by improving the inkjet head's resistance to cleaning and scratches.
Implementation Method 1
coating the head surface, the inner wall, and the flow path with different coating films, respectively... using physical vapor deposition processes
Implementation Method 2
the coating film may include a self-assembled monolayer
Implementation Method 3
a surface energy of the first coating film may be less than a surface energy of the second coating film or a surface energy of the third coating film
Data Source
AI summary
An inkjet head includes a nozzle which ejects an ink and includes an inner wall through which the ink passes, a head surface which exposes the nozzle and is connected to first end of the inner wall and an ink supply unit which supplies the ink to the nozzle and includes a flow path connected to a second end of the inner wall opposite to the first end, and the head surface, the inner wall, and the flow path are coated with different coating films, respectively.