Nozzle Fluid Bridge Traversing Steps for Nanoparticle Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dispensing metallic nanoparticle compositions onto substrates with non-flat surfaces, such as those with existing conductive features, face challenges in traversing steps and maintaining fluid flow, leading to difficulties in achieving precise and continuous printing.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the initialization of a nozzle with an initial pressure, formation of a fluid bridge, and controlled pressure adjustments allows the nozzle to traverse steps on the substrate while dispensing the metallic nanoparticle composition, ensuring continuous flow and precise placement along a trajectory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the nozzle is positioned in contact with the substrate to achieve precise line width control, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the ability to traverse non-flat surfaces and existing conductive features deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces vertical dimensionality by controlling the nozzle height relative to the substrate surface. The nozzle is positioned at a height where the fluid bridge contacts the substrate at its leading edge, allowing the nozzle to traverse vertical steps while maintaining controlled fluid deposition on the horizontal surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid bridge acts as an intermediary between the nozzle and the substrate. Instead of direct contact between nozzle and substrate, the fluid bridge mediates the interaction, allowing the nozzle to maintain a controlled position while the fluid bridge adapts to the substrate surface topology.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the nozzle traverses upward steps to access non-flat surfaces, then adaptability is improved, but fluid flow continuity and manufacturing precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is positioned at a height above the step where the fluid bridge is already formed and stabilized before the nozzle begins to traverse the step. This preliminary formation of the fluid bridge ensures continuous fluid flow is maintained during the transition over the step.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid bridge maintains continuous contact with the substrate surface throughout the nozzle's traversal of the step. The fluid bridge acts as a continuous medium that bridges the gap between the nozzle and the substrate, ensuring uninterrupted fluid delivery even during vertical transitions.
3Manufacturing precision
If the outlet size is reduced to improve line width control, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the fluid flow rate and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid bridge serves as an intermediary that decouples the relationship between outlet size and deposited line width. The fluid bridge's properties (viscosity, surface tension) and its interaction with the substrate determine the actual line width, allowing a larger outlet to produce controlled, narrow lines through proper fluid bridge management.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the fluid bridge (by adjusting nozzle height, fluid composition, and deposition speed) to control line width. This allows the use of a larger outlet size while maintaining precise line width control through parameter optimization rather than relying solely on a small outlet.
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 the successful dispensing of metallic nanoparticle compositions onto substrates with non-flat surfaces, including traversing upward and downward steps, resulting in high-quality, homogeneous conductive features with precise line widths and thicknesses.
Implementation Method 1
the outlet is lowered toward the substrate such that a fluid bridge forms between the outlet and the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A method of dispensing a metallic nanoparticle composition along a trajectory on a substrate is disclosed. The composition is dispensed from a nozzle through its outlet. The outlet is characterized by an outlet size. First, an initial pressure is applied to the composition in the nozzle to cause the composition to flow from the outlet. The nozzle is positioned at a height such that the composition does not flow onto the substrate. Second, the nozzle is lowered toward the substrate such that a fluid bridge forms between the outlet and the substrate and an adjusted pressure is applied to the composition in the nozzle. The adjusted pressure is lower than needed for the composition to continue to flow from the outlet. Third, the fluid is dispensed from the nozzle. A dispensing pressure is applied to the fluid while the nozzle is laterally displaced along the trajectory on the substrate.