Multi-Nozzle Inkjet Alignment via Shared Camera System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing devices using a single nozzle head are limited in productivity due to their inability to efficiently manage multiple nozzle heads independently, leading to increased manufacturing costs and device volume.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with multiple independently controlled nozzle heads that share a camera for precise alignment and positioning, allowing for improved printing speed and productivity while maintaining a compact configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a plurality of independently driven nozzles are arranged in parallel to improve productivity, then printing speed and productivity are improved, but manufacturing cost and device volume excessively increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple nozzle heads into a shared camera system where a single camera captures images of multiple nozzle tips simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the number of independent imaging systems needed, thereby decreasing device volume while maintaining the productivity benefits of multiple nozzles operating in parallel
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera system serves multiple functions by capturing images of multiple nozzle tips from different angles (first camera from above, second camera from inclined direction) to perform alignment and positioning for all nozzles. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate camera systems for each nozzle, reducing overall device volume
2Productivity
If a plurality of independently driven nozzles are arranged in parallel to improve productivity, then printing speed and productivity are improved, but manufacturing cost excessively increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple nozzle control systems into a unified camera-based alignment system. By using a single camera (or shared camera system) to monitor and align multiple nozzle tips instead of requiring separate imaging systems for each nozzle, the manufacturing cost is reduced while maintaining independent control capability for high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The shared camera system provides universal alignment capability for all nozzle heads. The first camera positioned above the substrate and the second camera at an inclined angle work together to provide comprehensive alignment for multiple nozzles, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated camera systems and reducing manufacturing costs
3Device complexity
If a single nozzle is used to reduce device complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function into two separate cameras positioned at different locations: the first camera above the substrate for vertical alignment and the second camera at an inclined angle for lateral alignment. This segmentation allows a single camera system to handle multiple nozzle alignment tasks, enabling multi-nozzle operation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
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 solution enables precise control and alignment of multiple nozzle tips, enhancing printing speed and productivity while maintaining a compact device design, capable of handling high-viscosity inks and nano-scale patterning.
Implementation Method 1
a first camera disposed above the substrate to observe both the first nozzle tip and the second nozzle tip
Implementation Method 2
the first nozzle head and the second nozzle head each includes a high voltage application part for applying a voltage to ink in order to discharge the ink in an electrohydrodynamic method
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for aligning a plurality of nozzle tips, the method comprising:a first nozzle aligning step of setting a reference position of a first nozzle tip for discharging ink within a working area through an image of a first camera observing the working area above a substrate and a second camera observing the working area in an inclined direction;a second nozzle aligning step of setting a reference position of a second nozzle tip for discharging ink within the working area through the image of the first camera and the second camera;a step of detecting a position of a substrate based on the image of the second camera; anda printing preparation step of positioning the first nozzle tip and the second nozzle tip to a printing position on the substrate.