Multi-nozzle E-jet Print Head with Segmented Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrohydrodynamic printing faces limitations in scalability and consistency due to the need for conductive printing surfaces and interference of deposited ink with the electric field, hindering larger-scale commercialization.
Innovation Solution
An electrohydrodynamic print head with a common electrode and separately controllable electrostatic fields between the common electrode and each nozzle, along with gas flow fields and back pressure control, allows for precise deposition of multiple printing fluids with independent control over each nozzle, minimizing field interference and enabling varied printing resolutions and fluid compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common electrode is used for multiple nozzles, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision over individual nozzles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the common electrode into multiple independently controllable electrode segments, each corresponding to a specific nozzle. This segmentation allows individual control of electrostatic fields for each nozzle while maintaining a shared electrode structure, thereby resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and control precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If deposited ink interferes with the electric field, then printing consistency deteriorates, but printing resolution can be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a grounded shielding electrode positioned between the common electrode and the substrate. This intermediary electrode acts as a barrier that prevents deposited ink from interfering with the electric field, thereby maintaining both printing resolution and consistency throughout the printing process.
3Manufacturing precision
If conductive printing surfaces are required, then printing quality is improved, but applicability to various substrates deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The grounded shielding electrode serves as an intermediary that decouples the electric field generation from the substrate properties. By positioning this shielded electrode between the common electrode and various substrates, the system maintains stable electrostatic fields regardless of substrate conductivity, thereby enabling high-quality printing on both conductive and non-conductive surfaces.
4Manufacturing precision
If separately controllable electrostatic fields are provided for each nozzle, then droplet placement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the common electrode into multiple independently controllable segments, where each segment corresponds to a specific nozzle. This approach enables precise individual control of droplet placement while maintaining a unified electrode structure, thereby achieving high precision without excessive 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
This configuration enables high-resolution, scalable electrohydrodynamic printing by maintaining individual control over electrostatic fields and fluid deposition, allowing for diverse printing fluids and resolutions, and facilitating interchangeable printer cartridges for flexible printing operations.
Implementation Method 1
Electrohydrodynamic printing, also known as e-jet printing, is a printing technique that relies on an electric field to extract droplets of a charged or polarized printing fluid from a printing nozzle
Implementation Method 2
a printing technique that relies on an electric field to extract droplets of a charged or polarized printing fluid from a printing nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
An electrohydrodynamic print head includes a plurality of nozzles and a common electrode. Separately controllable electrostatic fields between the common electrode and each nozzle are provided. The common electrode can also shield adjacent electrostatic fields from each other. Each nozzle can be associated with separately controllable gas flow fields and separately back pressures. The print head enables simultaneous e-jet printing of different printing fluids and/or different resolutions. The print head may be part of a printing system with interchangeable cartridges. Each cartridge has multiple nozzles, and printing fluid extraction parameters can be made separately controllable for each nozzle.