Piezoelectric Jet Nozzle for Viscous Coating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jet printing systems are limited to applying inks with low viscosity and small molecule dimensions, making it impossible to apply products like varnish, scratchable ink, or glue without contact onto plastic substrates, especially when customization or specific surface application is required.
Innovation Solution
A numerical jet machine with a series of piezoelectrically actuated nozzles arranged in a ramp, capable of handling medium to high viscosity products, which includes a read station for substrate positioning, an application station for precise projection, and a drying station, controlled by a computer device to manage operations and apply products onto substrates of variable thickness and dimensions without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional spreading methods are used to apply products like varnish, glue, or conducting ink, then application onto plastic substrates is possible, but the process becomes complex and requires physical contact with the substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical spreading methods with a jet printing system that uses piezoelectric actuators to propel droplets through nozzles. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact and complex spreading mechanisms, allowing direct application of viscous products onto plastic substrates through controlled droplet deposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the key parameter from viscosity-based application (suitable for low viscosity inks) to a system that can handle medium to high viscosity products (up to 1000 centipoises) by using piezoelectric actuation. This parameter change enables the application of products like varnish, glue, and conducting ink that were previously incompatible with jet printing.
2Ease of operation
If jet printing systems are used with low viscosity inks, then contactless application is achieved, but products with medium to high viscosity such as varnish, glue, or conducting ink cannot be applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the viscosity parameter range that jet printing systems can handle. By using piezoelectric actuators instead of traditional pressure-based or thermal systems, the invention enables contactless application of products with viscosity up to 1000 centipoises, expanding the adaptable range from low viscosity inks to include varnish, glue, and conducting ink.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamically controllable piezoelectric actuators that can adjust their actuation parameters (voltage, pulse duration, frequency) to accommodate different product viscosities. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same jet printing system to handle a wide range of products from low to high viscosity by optimizing the actuation parameters for each specific application.
3Manufacturing precision
If existing jet printing techniques are used, then low viscosity inks can be projected, but products with small molecule dimensions and controlled fluidity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the products that can be printed by using piezoelectric actuation mechanisms. This enables precise droplet projection of products with larger molecule dimensions and higher viscosity, including varnish, scratchable ink, conducting ink, and glue, while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled actuation parameters.
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 precise and efficient application of medium to high viscosity products onto specific zones of substrates, allowing for customization and secure document preparation by applying layers before or after printing, with improved precision and control over traditional spreading methods.
Implementation Method 1
each made to vibrate by a piezoelectric actuator affixed to a resonator formed by the assembly of the hollow needle
Implementation Method 2
the nozzles being hollow needles each made to vibrate by a piezoelectric actuator
Implementation Method 3
a drying station with an infra-red or heated air current or UV drying oven
Implementation Method 4
a drying station with an infra-red or heated air current or UV drying oven
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a contactless numerical printing machine for products of average fluidity, such as varnish, glue, and conducting or scratchable ink, onto a substrate of variable thickness and dimensions. The machine includes a special device for printing without contact by projection. The projected materials are materials of average fluidity or composed of large-dimension molecules. The process used includes an electro-acoustic device for control of the projection, and a multiplicity of projection nozzles, each controlled individually.The machine also includes a production chain with different work stations, whose printing devices are controlled by a computer management system. The production chain allows printing with a certain precision in given zones located during the processing by an appropriate work station.