Light Irradiation for Liquid Droplet Formation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The stability of droplet formation in inkjet printing is challenging due to various factors, making it difficult to achieve uniformity in ink discharge, particularly because of the complexity in controlling the nozzle structure, liquid uniformity, and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A liquid dispensing amount control apparatus that includes nozzles and light irradiation devices, where the light source, controller, and adjuster work together to calculate and adjust the light position on the dispensed liquid to form droplets with a predetermined amount, using infrared, ultraviolet, or laser light to neck the liquid and control the droplet formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high-precision propulsion apparatus is used to improve ink discharge uniformity, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical propulsion system with a light-based system. A light source irradiates the liquid to form a droplet, eliminating the need for complex mechanical propulsion apparatus while achieving precise control over droplet formation and discharge uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the liquid through light irradiation. By controlling the light parameters (intensity, duration, position), the system achieves precise control over droplet formation without requiring complex mechanical adjustments to the propulsion system
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple factors are controlled to improve droplet formation stability, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple mechanical control systems (nozzle structure control, liquid uniformity control, environmental control) with a single light irradiation system. The light source controls droplet formation stability by irradiating the liquid at specific positions, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The light irradiation device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it controls droplet formation, regulates droplet size, ensures discharge uniformity, and compensates for variations in liquid properties. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for multiple separate control 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 solution improves the uniformity of ink discharge by ensuring consistent droplet formation, preventing satellite spots and enhancing the stability and precision of inkjet printing, especially with high-viscosity liquids, thereby improving printing quality.
Implementation Method 1
The light source may be configured to emit the light. The at least one heating device may be at least one light irradiation device, wherein the light irradiation device may be configured to shine a light on a position of liquid dispensed from the nozzle to form a droplet
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to a liquid dispensing amount control apparatus. The liquid dispensing amount control apparatus may include at least one nozzle and at least one heating device. The heating device may be configured to heat a position of liquid dispensed from the nozzle to form a droplet.