Application Needle Shear Control for Precise Non-Newtonian Dosing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing application methods using an application needle for non-Newtonian fluids face issues such as increased application time, surface drying due to moisture evaporation, and the need for precise humidity control, particularly when applying water-soluble gel agents.
Innovation Solution
An application apparatus and method that includes an application needle with a drive unit and controller to apply shear to the material at controlled speeds based on material type and target application parameters, along with a humidity control system to maintain high humidity around the application unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the application needle is immersed in the adhesive for a longer time or transferred slower to control the application amount of non-Newtonian fluid, then the application precision is improved, but the application time increases and moisture evaporation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies shear force to the non-Newtonian fluid through the application needle movement, changing the viscosity parameter of the fluid. By controlling the shear rate, the fluid viscosity is adjusted during the application process, enabling precise control of application amount without requiring extended immersion or transfer times. This resolves the contradiction by modifying the fluid's physical parameters rather than extending process time.
2Manufacturing precision
If the application time is extended to control the application amount of non-Newtonian fluid, then the application precision is improved, but moisture evaporation from the adhesive surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes shear thinning behavior of non-Newtonian fluids by applying controlled shear force during the application process. This changes the viscosity parameter dynamically, allowing precise application amount control in a shorter time frame, thereby preventing moisture evaporation from the adhesive surface while maintaining or improving application precision.
3Ease of operation
If a constant viscosity fluid is used for application, then the application process is simple, but the application amount cannot be precisely controlled for non-Newtonian fluids with varying viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies shear force to change the viscosity parameter of non-Newtonian fluids during the application process. By controlling the shear rate, the fluid transitions to a more fluid state, enabling precise application amount control. This maintains operational simplicity while achieving the manufacturing precision needed for variable viscosity fluids.
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 approach reduces application time and minimizes moisture evaporation, ensuring precise application amounts and maintaining optimal humidity conditions for non-Newtonian fluids, particularly for cell-containing solutions and gel agents.
Implementation Method 1
an application needle that applies, to a target, an application material having viscosity changing under shear
Implementation Method 2
an application needle that applies, to a target, an application material having viscosity changing under shear
Implementation Method 3
surface drying due to moisture evaporation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~3(B)
Figure 4(A)~5
AI summary
An application apparatus (100) includes: an application needle (24) that applies, to a target, an application material having its viscosity changing under shear; a drive unit (90) that moves the application needle (24) up and down; and a controller (80) that controls the drive unit (90) to move the application needle such that shear is applied to the application material at a shear speed depending on a type of the application material and depending on a target application amount or a target application diameter.