Liquid Dispensing Nozzle Inspection via Dynamic Droplet Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid dispensing apparatuses face challenges in accurately determining whether each nozzle is functioning correctly, especially when discharging liquids from multiple nozzles closely spaced, as the inspection patterns formed on the medium can overlap, making it difficult to assess individual nozzle performance.

Innovation Solution

A liquid dispensing apparatus that uses a piezo jet method with an image photographing unit to capture and analyze the inspection patterns formed by droplets on an inspection paper, allowing for precise determination of nozzle functionality by calculating the discharge amount based on the contact angle and distance between nozzles to prevent droplet coalescence, thereby ensuring distinct droplet dots are formed for each nozzle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If liquid is discharged from multiple closely spaced nozzles simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but the droplet dots formed on the inspection medium combine with each other making inspection difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing speedVSAvoidnozzle inspection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by controlling the discharge timing of nozzles dynamically. Specifically, nozzles discharge liquid in sequential groups rather than simultaneously - first a first group of nozzles discharges, then a second group discharges after the first group's droplets are formed. This dynamic timing control prevents droplet coalescence while maintaining high productivity through rapid sequential dispensing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action through cyclic discharge patterns. The liquid discharging apparatus operates in repeating cycles where nozzles are divided into multiple groups that discharge alternately. Each cycle includes discharging from the first group, forming droplets, then discharging from the second group, creating a periodic rhythm that ensures spatial separation of droplets while sustaining continuous high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If liquid discharge amount is increased to improve dispensing efficiency, then productivity is improved, but droplet dots become larger and may overlap with adjacent nozzles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispensing efficiencyVSAvoiddroplet placement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamics by adjusting the discharge amount based on the discharge timing of each nozzle group. The control unit calculates appropriate discharge amounts dynamically according to which nozzles are currently discharging and their spatial relationships. This allows larger discharge amounts for nozzles that discharge earlier, while later-discharging nozzles use smaller amounts, maintaining precision while improving overall efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the discharge amount parameter for different nozzle groups based on their discharge sequence. The control unit modifies this critical parameter dynamically - increasing discharge amount for first-group nozzles that discharge earlier, and decreasing it for second-group nozzles that discharge later. This parameter optimization enables larger droplets without overlap, improving dispensing efficiency while maintaining placement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables accurate inspection and identification of clogged nozzles by forming distinct droplet patterns on the inspection paper, ensuring reliable liquid dispensing from each nozzle and improving the overall efficiency of the dispensing process.

Implementation Method 1

A liquid dispensing apparatus (1) is disclosed which uses a piezo jet method

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3798002B1Chemical liquid dispensing apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 TOSHIBA TEC KK
  • EP3798002B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3798002B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3798002B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a liquid dispensing apparatus includes a mounting unit configured to hold a liquid discharging apparatus that discharges liquid from nozzles simultaneously by an operation of an actuator. An inspection media placement region is provided on which an inspection medium can be placed to receive the liquid discharged from the liquid discharging apparatus. A controller is configured to control the actuator to vary a volume of the liquid discharged from each nozzle for a nozzle inspection operation. The volume is varied according to a predetermined distance between adjacent nozzles that simultaneously discharge liquid and a predetermined contact angle for a droplet of the liquid when on the inspection medium.