Inkjet Apparatus Liquid Crystal Reservoir Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The viscosity of liquid crystals at room temperature is typically higher than the desired 10 cp for stable deposition in liquid crystal displays, leading to defects if not uniformly maintained at the desired temperature during the manufacturing process.

Innovation Solution

An inkjet apparatus with a metal liquid crystal reservoir that includes a separation part dividing it into upper and lower storing spaces, heat transfer members in the lower space, and a heat supply device to maintain uniform temperature, along with a pollution preventing layer to prevent reaction with the metal, ensures stable discharge of liquid crystals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If liquid crystal is heated to reduce viscosity to 10 cp for stable deposition, then discharge stability is improved, but temperature uniformity deteriorates leading to defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge stabilityVSAvoidtemperature uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid crystal reservoir is divided into an upper storing space and a lower storing space using a separation part. The lower storing space contains heat transfer members that contact the reservoir wall, while the upper storing space stores liquid crystal without direct heat transfer members. This segmentation allows differential temperature control to achieve both viscosity reduction and temperature uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the liquid crystal reservoir are given different thermal properties. The lower storing space has heat transfer members with contact to the reservoir wall for active heating, while the upper storing space relies on indirect heat transfer. This local quality differentiation enables precise control of temperature distribution throughout the liquid crystal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If metal reservoir is used for heat transfer, then temperature control is improved, but chemical reaction with liquid crystal worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidchemical reaction

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A pollution preventing layer is introduced as an intermediary between the metal liquid crystal reservoir and the liquid crystal. This layer prevents direct contact and chemical reactions between the metal and liquid crystal while allowing thermal energy to pass through, thus maintaining both temperature control and chemical compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If heat transfer members contact reservoir wall, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but liquid crystal contamination worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidliquid crystal contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pollution preventing layer serves as a protective intermediary coating on the inner surface of the liquid crystal reservoir. It allows heat transfer members to efficiently contact the reservoir wall for heat transfer while preventing any direct interaction that could cause liquid crystal contamination or degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 apparatus effectively maintains the liquid crystal at a desired temperature, ensuring stable and uniform discharge, preventing defects in liquid crystal displays.

Implementation Method 1

A plurality of heat transfer members may be disposed in the lower storing space... The heat supply device may supply heat to the liquid crystal reservoir

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

A separation part is disposed inside of the liquid crystal reservoir. The separation part divides the liquid crystal reservoir into an upper storing space and a lower storing space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical separation:

Implementation Method 3

A pollution preventing layer may be disposed in an internal surface of the liquid crystal reservoir... The pollution preventing layer may include Teflon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical barrier:

Data Source

PatentUS8899714B2Inkjet apparatus for depositing liquid crystal

Publication Date: 2014.12.02 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

An inkjet apparatus for depositing liquid crystal according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: an inkjet head configured to discharge liquid crystal; a liquid crystal reservoir configured to provide the liquid crystal to the inkjet head, and the liquid crystal reservoir comprises metal; a storing tank configured to supply the liquid crystal to the liquid crystal reservoir; and a heat supply device configured to supply heat to the liquid crystal reservoir, in which a separation part is disposed inside of the liquid crystal reservoir, and the separation part divides the liquid crystal reservoir into an upper storing space and a lower storing space.