Liquid Droplet Ejection Nozzle Head with Dynamic Nozzle Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-nozzle heads face challenges in changing ejection patterns due to the need for separate nozzle arrangements and limitations in scan speed and initial ejection amount, particularly in piezo type heads, which hinder efficient pattern formation.
Innovation Solution
A liquid droplet ejection device with a control unit that adjusts the relative positional relationship between electrostatic and piezoelectric nozzles, using a second droplet to block or unblock first nozzles, allowing for dynamic pattern formation without replacing the multi-nozzle head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-nozzle head with a fixed nozzle arrangement is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to form different ejection patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable nozzle unit that can be positioned at different locations along the conveyance direction. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same physical nozzle to serve multiple ejection patterns by changing its position, thereby achieving pattern flexibility without requiring multiple fixed nozzle arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable nozzle unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can eject droplets at different positions, block different nozzles, and adapt to various ejection patterns. This single universal component replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized nozzle arrangements, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Productivity
If a piezo type multi-nozzle head with fixed pitch is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is limited due to raster scanning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The movable nozzle unit can dynamically adjust its position to align with different pitch requirements. This eliminates the need for raster scanning with fixed-pitch nozzles, as the nozzle can be positioned directly at the required location, significantly improving pattern formation speed while maintaining a relatively simple ejection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical raster scanning system with a positionable nozzle unit that can be moved to different locations. This substitution eliminates the need for complex scanning mechanisms and fixed-pitch constraints, thereby improving productivity without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the initial ejection amount is reduced to achieve finer droplets, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable nozzle unit can be positioned optimally for each ejection task, allowing the use of electrostatic ejection type nozzles that produce finer droplets with controlled ejection amounts. The dynamic positioning ensures that the precision benefits of reduced ejection amount are maintained while the overall productivity is improved through efficient nozzle utilization and reduced setup time.
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 flexible ejection pattern changes with high definition and reduced setup time, enhancing productivity by eliminating the need for head replacements and improving scan speed.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic ejection type inkjet head that can eject finer liquid droplets
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric nozzle
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid droplet ejection device according to an embodiment of the present invention an object holding unit for holding an object; a first liquid droplet ejection unit having a plurality of first liquid droplet ejection nozzles configured to eject first droplets onto the object, the first liquid droplet ejection nozzle is an electrostatic ejection type nozzle; a second liquid droplet ejection unit having at least one second liquid droplet ejection nozzle configured to eject second droplets including a material different from the first droplet; and a control unit configured to control a relative positional relationship between the second liquid droplet ejection nozzle and the first liquid droplet ejection nozzle, wherein the second liquid droplet ejection unit blocks at least one first liquid droplet ejection nozzle among the plurality of first liquid droplet ejection nozzles by ejecting the second droplets.