Open-Face Liquid Stream Diversion for Precise Substrate Patterning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for applying liquid streams to substrates face challenges in achieving precise pattern definition while ensuring sufficient liquid delivery and efficient collection, with complexities in setup and residue management.
Innovation Solution
The system employs open-face flow channels and a self-aligning modular assembly for liquid stream delivery, incorporating impingement jet directional passages to divert liquid streams and a collection module for efficient reuse, minimizing residue buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple liquid streams are expelled under pressure from orifice openings surrounded circumferentially by walls, then the liquid streams can be directed towards a target substrate, but the system complexity increases and pattern definition becomes difficult to improve
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: a manifold with multiple liquid conveyance channels, each channel having a first segment with enclosed passageway and a second segment with open-face flume configuration. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each channel while simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing setup complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional enclosed orifice openings to an open-face flume configuration that exposes the liquid stream to a different dimensional space. This allows the liquid stream to be more easily diverted by transverse gas jets and improves pattern definition by eliminating wall interference while maintaining system simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If transverse gas jets are applied to interrupt liquid streams, then pattern precision can be improved, but liquid collection efficiency decreases and residue buildup increases
Solution Approach 1:
A collection reservoir positioned below the liquid conveyance channels serves as an intermediary to capture diverted liquid streams. The reservoir is in communication with the channels to receive diverted liquid, preventing residue buildup on the substrate while maintaining pattern precision achieved through gas jet interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection reservoir is pre-positioned and configured to receive diverted liquid streams before they can contact the substrate or create residue buildup. This preliminary arrangement ensures efficient liquid recovery while maintaining the precision benefits of gas jet interruption.
3Productivity
If liquid streams are diverted away from the substrate into a collection reservoir, then liquid can be reused, but residue buildup occurs in the collection system
Solution Approach 1:
The collection reservoir is designed to self-manage liquid collection and minimize residue buildup through its positioning below the liquid conveyance channels and its communication pathway. The system automatically directs diverted liquid into the reservoir, reducing manual intervention and preventing residue accumulation that would otherwise occur in traditional collection systems.
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 enhances pattern precision, reduces system complexity, and improves liquid collection efficiency, allowing for precise and efficient application and reuse of liquid streams on substrates.
Implementation Method 1
selectively interrupting and redirecting the flow of such liquid streams by application of gaseous fluid impingement jets transverse to the normal flow direction of the liquid streams
Data Source
AI summary
An improved system for application of liquid streams to a substrate. The system incorporates open face flow channels for carrying the liquid away from fully enclosed flow segments prior to discharge along an unconstrained flow path. The present invention further provides an improved, self-aligning modular assembly for delivery of impingement jet to the liquid streams for diverting the direction of the liquid streams. The present invention further provides an improved arrangement for collection of the deflected liquid in response to application of the impingement jet without excess residue build-up.