Magnetic Load Distribution for Inkjet Gantry Distortion

Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of multiple inkjet head modules in a gantry unit for printing on transparent substrates leads to increased distortion and mechanical deformation due to weight and thermal effects, which existing technologies struggle to mitigate effectively.

Innovation Solution

A load distribution apparatus is designed with an elongated second support having higher side portions and a central inkjet head module installation, supported by first and second support units, including magnetic members for non-contact support and air bearings, to distribute the load efficiently and minimize thermal deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple inkjet head modules are installed in the gantry unit, then the printing capability on large-area substrates is improved, but the weight of the gantry unit increases causing distortion and mechanical deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting capability on large-area substratesVSAvoidweight of gantry unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is segmented into multiple independent support units (first support unit, second support unit, third support unit) that can be independently controlled. Each support unit has its own driving shaft and drive mechanism, allowing the heavy gantry unit to be supported and moved in segments rather than as a single rigid structure, thereby reducing the effective load on each individual support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact support with magnetic field-based support. The support units use magnets to generate magnetic fields that interact with ferromagnetic materials in the gantry unit, providing support and motion control without direct mechanical contact. This substitution reduces mechanical distortion and deformation caused by heavy weights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple inkjet head modules are installed in the gantry unit, then the printing capability on large-area substrates is improved, but mechanical deformation due to thermal deformation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting capability on large-area substratesVSAvoidthermal deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact support with magnetic field-based support. The support units use magnets to generate magnetic fields that interact with ferromagnetic materials in the gantry unit, providing support and motion control without direct mechanical contact. This substitution reduces mechanical distortion and deformation caused by heavy weights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of support mechanism from mechanical contact to magnetic field interaction. By using magnetic fields instead of mechanical contacts, the system eliminates the thermal conduction paths that would transfer heat from the heavy gantry unit to the support structure, thereby reducing thermal deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If traditional support structures are used for the gantry unit, then the structure is simple, but distortion in shafts occurs due to the weight of inkjet head modules

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoiddistortion in shafts

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact support with magnetic field-based support. The support units use magnets to generate magnetic fields that interact with ferromagnetic materials in the gantry unit, providing support and motion control without direct mechanical contact. This substitution reduces mechanical distortion and deformation caused by heavy weights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic fields generated by the support units act as an anti-weight mechanism, counteracting the gravitational force on the gantry unit and inkjet head modules. The magnetic lift force balances the weight, reducing the effective load on the driving shafts and minimizing distortion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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

The apparatus effectively reduces support weight on driving shafts, minimizes distortion, and prevents mechanical deformation by distributing loads across different support types, enhancing the stability and operation of inkjet head modules.

Implementation Method 1

The first support unit may support the second support using a magnet member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The second support unit may be an air bearing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir bearing: Air Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS11518169B2Apparatus for distributing load and system for treating substrate with the apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 SYSTEM ENGINEERING MEGA SOLUTION CO LTD

AI summary

Provided are a load distribution apparatus capable of efficiently distributing loads for a plurality of inkjet head modules and a substrate treatment system including the same. The load distribution apparatus includes a second support formed to be elongated in one direction and having both side portions higher than a central portion and in which a head module for discharging droplets onto a substrate is installed in the central portion, a first support supporting the second support on at least one side and supporting the second support below the second support, a first support unit supporting the second support on at least one side and supporting the second support above the second support, and a plate installed above the first support unit and connected to the first support unit, wherein a load of the head module is distributed by the first support and the first support unit.