Liner-Based Pressure Dispensing for High Viscosity Liquids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid handling systems for high viscosity liquids in microelectronic device and display panel manufacturing face challenges such as bubble formation, contamination, and increased backpressure due to the use of wetted elastomeric seals and complex piping configurations, which can lead to defects and purity issues in the dispensed materials.
Innovation Solution
The system eliminates wetted elastomeric seals, reduces backpressure by increasing flow areas and minimizing transitions in fluid conduits, and incorporates reverse flow prevention elements to prevent bubble formation, using a liner-based pressure dispense container with a collapsible liner and a connector probe that directly engages the dip tube for a secure seal, allowing for reduced pressurization requirements and improved manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wetted elastomeric seals are used in fluid handling systems, then sealing reliability is improved, but bubble formation and contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes wetted elastomeric seals from the fluid path entirely, replacing them with a liner-based system where the liner itself provides the sealing function. This extraction eliminates the source of bubble formation and contamination associated with elastomeric seals while maintaining sealing reliability through the liner's direct contact with the liquid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a liner as an intermediary barrier between the liquid and the external environment. This liner acts as a mediator that provides sealing without requiring wetted elastomeric seals, thereby preventing bubble formation while maintaining the necessary seal integrity for high viscosity liquid dispensing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex piping configurations are used, then fluid handling flexibility is improved, but backpressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid handling system into distinct functional zones: a compression zone for pressurization, a transition zone for flow control, and a dispensing zone for material delivery. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently, reducing overall backpressure while maintaining handling flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from complex multi-dimensional piping configurations to a simplified linear flow path with strategic dimensional changes at key transition points. This approach reduces the number of transitions and associated pressure drops while maintaining the necessary flexibility for fluid handling.
3Ease of operation
If multiple transitions in fluid conduits are used, then flow direction control is improved, but bubble formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary anti-action by designing smooth, gradual transitions instead of sharp angles or multiple direction changes. This preliminary design approach prevents bubble formation at transition points by eliminating the conditions that would cause air entrapment and vapor lock, while still achieving the necessary flow direction control.
4Productivity
If conventional dispensing systems are used, then dispensing capability is maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components: the liner serves both as containment and sealing, the connector probe integrates sealing and flow control, and the system combines pressurization and dispensing in a unified architecture. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining full dispensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal components that perform multiple functions: the liner provides containment, sealing, and pressure transmission; the connector probe delivers both sealing and flow control; the system architecture handles both high viscosity and lower viscosity materials. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while preserving dispensing capabilities.
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 minimizes bubble formation, reduces contamination, and simplifies manufacturing and maintenance, enabling the reliable dispensing of high viscosity materials like optically clear resins with improved purity and reduced pressure drops, enhancing the integrity of microelectronic device and display panel manufacturing processes.
Implementation Method 1
supplying pressurized gas through the connector to compress the collapsible liner
Implementation Method 2
incorporates reverse flow prevention elements to prevent bubble formation
Data Source
AI summary
A liner-based pressure dispensing container includes a connector-mounted probe arranged to seat a dip tube against an inner surface of a liner fitment for sealing utility. A dip tube and probe may include increased and/or matched flow area. A reverse flow prevention element can be arranged proximate to a liquid extraction opening to inhibit reverse flow of liquid from a dip tube into a container. A liner-less container may include a reduce diameter lower portion arranged to receive a dip tube, with at least one associated sensor to sense a condition indicative of depletion of liquid from the lower portion. A shipping cap can be included for removing headspace gas from the liner. In one embodiment, the shipping cap is suitable for direct connection to a dispensing process.