Non-wetting Monolayer on Fluid Ejector Outer Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid ejectors, such as ink-jet printheads, face issues with fluid accumulation on exterior surfaces due to hydrophilic materials and existing non-wetting coatings like Teflon and fluorocarbon polymers being soft, expensive, and difficult to pattern.
Innovation Solution
A non-wetting monolayer is applied to the outer surface of fluid ejectors, excluding the inner surface, using molecules with carbon and fluorine atoms, which can be selectively formed and removed from specific regions using methods like plasma treatment or ultraviolet light, ensuring durability and solvent insolubility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional non-wetting coatings like Teflon or fluorocarbon polymers are used, then fluid accumulation is reduced, but the coating becomes soft, less durable, and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of coating thickness from micrometer-scale polymer layers to nanometer-scale monolayers (1-10 nm). This parameter change transforms the coating from soft, thick polymer films to ultra-thin, durable monomolecular layers that maintain non-wetting properties while significantly improving durability and reducing material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies non-wetting properties locally through self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) that can be selectively formed on specific surfaces (e.g., outer surface only, or inner and outer surfaces separately). This local application allows different regions to have different properties - non-wetting where needed and wetting where fluid ejection occurs - resolving the contradiction between preventing accumulation and maintaining ejection functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-wetting coatings are applied to all surfaces, then fluid accumulation is prevented, but fluid ejection from the orifice is hindered by coating on the inner surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies non-wetting monolayers selectively to specific surfaces using local quality. The outer surface receives the non-wetting coating to prevent accumulation, while the inner surface and orifice region are kept wetting-friendly for proper fluid ejection. This spatial differentiation resolves the contradiction between preventing accumulation and enabling ejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fluid ejector surface into distinct functional zones: non-wetting zones on the outer surface for accumulation prevention, and wetting zones on the inner surface and orifice for fluid ejection. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
3Ease of manufacture
If hydrophilic materials are used for fluid ejector fabrication, then manufacturing is simplified, but fluid accumulation on the exterior surface is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure by depositing a non-wetting monolayer coating on top of the hydrophilic fluid ejector material. This composite approach maintains the manufacturing simplicity of hydrophilic materials while adding a thin non-wetting layer (1-10 nm) that prevents fluid accumulation, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and accumulation prevention.
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 non-wetting monolayer reduces fluid accumulation, allows for the use of multiple inks, and eliminates the need for wet processing steps, providing a durable and efficient solution for fluid ejection without residue.
Implementation Method 1
A non-wetting monolayer covering at least a portion of an outer surface of a fluid ejector and surrounding an orifice in the fluid ejector
Implementation Method 2
Removing the non-wetting monolayer from the second region may include at least one of applying a plasma to the second region
Implementation Method 3
Removing the non-wetting monolayer from the second region may include at least one of applying a plasma to the second region, laser ablating the second region
Implementation Method 4
Removing the non-wetting monolayer from the second region may include at least one of applying a plasma to the second region, laser ablating the second region, or applying ultraviolet light to the second region
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid ejector having an inner surface, an outer surface, and an orifice that allows fluid in contact with the inner surface to be ejected. The fluid ejector has a non-wetting monolayer covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the fluid ejector and surrounding an orifice in the fluid ejector. Fabrication of the non-wetting monolayer can include removing a non-wetting monolayer from a second region of a fluid ejector while leaving the non-wetting monolayer on a first region surrounding an orifice in the fluid ejector, or protecting a second region of a fluid ejector from having a non-wetting monolayer formed thereon, wherein the second region does not include a first region surrounding the orifice in the fluid ejector.