Liquid Droplet Discharge Nozzle Surface for Stable Cell-Laden Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nozzle shapes in inkjet recording heads fail to maintain stable discharging when inks containing particles or cells adhere to the nozzle surface, leading to inaccuracies in liquid droplet placement and discharge volume.
Innovation Solution
A liquid droplet discharging apparatus with a nozzle surface design featuring a region with a higher water contact angle and surface roughness surrounding the nozzle, which includes a concave or varying water repellent films to stabilize discharging even when liquids with particles or cells adhere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional nozzle shapes are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but stable discharging cannot be maintained when inks containing particles or cells adhere to the nozzle surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a hydrophobic region with a specific water contact angle (100° or more) in the adjoining region of the nozzle, while other regions of the nozzle surface maintain different properties. This localized modification of surface properties prevents liquid adhesion at critical areas without requiring complete redesign of the entire nozzle structure, thus improving discharging stability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If the water contact angle of the adjoining region is increased to prevent liquid adhesion, then discharging accuracy is improved, but the surface properties become more difficult to control and manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by specifically controlling the water contact angle of the adjoining region to be 100° or more, which is a quantifiable parameter that can be achieved through controlled hydrophobic treatment. This specific parameter threshold provides a clear manufacturing target while ensuring sufficient hydrophobicity to prevent liquid adhesion, balancing manufacturing feasibility with performance requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If uniform surface properties are used across the nozzle, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but liquid overflow cannot be prevented when particles or cells adhere to the nozzle surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating a distinct hydrophobic adjoining region surrounding the nozzle with water contact angle of 100° or more, while other regions of the nozzle surface have different properties. This localized differentiation prevents liquid overflow and adhesion at the critical nozzle periphery without requiring complex modifications throughout the entire nozzle structure.
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
Ensures stable and accurate liquid droplet discharge by preventing overflow and maintaining discharge direction and volume consistency, even with adhering liquids, enhancing precision in applications like well plate assays.
Implementation Method 1
a water contact angle of an adjoining region of the nozzle in the nozzle surface is greater than a water contact angle of any other region of the nozzle surface
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a liquid droplet discharging apparatus that can maintain stable discharging even when a liquid containing particles or cells adheres to a nozzle surface.