Monitoring Apparatus for Liquid Discharge Amount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for printing organic layers on substrates using nozzles do not effectively monitor the amount of liquid discharged, which can lead to inconsistencies in the printing process, especially when dealing with transparent liquids.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring apparatus comprising a discharge case with a storage space and a photographing unit that captures the level of liquid stored in the case, allowing real-time monitoring and control of the liquid discharge from the nozzle, including a shutter for opening and closing the storage space and a transparent window for imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If liquid is discharged from the nozzle without monitoring, then the printing process is simple and fast, but the amount of liquid discharged cannot be monitored leading to inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
A discharge case is introduced as an intermediary component between the nozzle and the substrate. The case collects discharged liquid in a storage space, allowing the photographing unit to measure the liquid level (and thus the discharge amount) without interfering with the printing process. This mediator enables monitoring while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directly measuring the liquid discharged onto the substrate, the system creates a copy of the liquid in the discharge case's storage space. The photographing unit photographs this copy (the liquid in the case) to determine the discharge amount, which then reflects the actual printing liquid amount. This indirect measurement approach simplifies the monitoring mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If the storage space has a reverse conical shape, then liquid level measurement is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage space is designed with an asymmetric reverse conical shape rather than a simple cylindrical form. This asymmetric geometry causes liquid to accumulate in a predictable pattern with a clearly defined meniscus or level indicator that is easier to photograph and measure accurately. The asymmetry optimizes the liquid level visibility for the photographing unit.
3Loss of information
If a transparent window is added to the discharge case, then liquid level can be photographed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces direct mechanical or visual inspection of liquid discharge with an optical measurement system. A transparent window is added to the discharge case, allowing a photographing unit (optical device) to capture images of the liquid level. This substitutes mechanical measurement methods with optical field-based measurement, enabling non-contact, automated monitoring.
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 and real-time monitoring of the liquid discharge, allowing for precise control of the printing process and ensuring consistent deposition of organic layers on substrates.
Implementation Method 1
The photographing unit may photograph a level of the liquid stored in the storage space
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring apparatus is provided to monitor an amount of a liquid discharged from a nozzle. The monitoring apparatus includes a discharge case. The discharge case is configured to receive liquid discharged from a nozzle. The discharge case includes a storage space for storing the liquid. A photographing unit photographs the level of the liquid stored in the storage space.