Pin-Style E-Jet Print Head Decouples Standoff Height from Deposition Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrohydrodynamic jet (e-jet) printing faces issues with nozzle clogging due to small openings and is influenced by standoff height, leading to inconsistent ink deposition and limited use of volatile inks.
Innovation Solution
A pin-style e-jet print head using a conductive, non-hollow rod with a wetting system and automated rod positioner to control ink release, decoupling the relationship between printing volume and standoff height, and employing a secondary rod/nozzle as a reservoir to mitigate clogging and ensure consistent ink deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a nozzle with small opening is used in e-jet printing, then the printing precision is improved, but the nozzle becomes clogged due to ink evaporation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional nozzle component with its small opening from the e-jet printing system. Instead of using a nozzle that is prone to clogging, the invention employs a clog-free e-jet print head that generates ink jets through electrohydrodynamic forces without requiring a physical nozzle opening, thereby eliminating the clogging problem while maintaining printing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a conductive liquid meniscus as an intermediary between the ink reservoir and the substrate. This meniscus serves as a temporary holding structure for the ink that is manipulated by electrohydrodynamic forces to form jets, replacing the traditional nozzle as the intermediate component that controls ink flow and prevents direct contact between the ink reservoir and substrate
2Adaptability or versatility
If the standoff height is varied, then the printing flexibility is improved, but the deposition volume becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the system monitors and adjusts the electrohydrodynamic parameters (such as voltage, frequency, and waveform) based on the actual printing conditions and standoff height. This feedback control ensures that the deposition volume remains consistent even when the standoff height varies, maintaining precision while allowing flexibility in positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic adjustment of electrohydrodynamic parameters during the printing process. By varying voltage, frequency, and waveform in real-time based on the standoff height and printing requirements, the system maintains consistent deposition volume across different printing conditions and positions
3Adaptability or versatility
If volatile inks are used, then the inkjet printing capability is improved, but the ink evaporates and clogs the nozzle in e-jet printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional nozzle component that causes clogging with volatile inks. By using a clog-free e-jet print head that generates jets through electrohydrodynamic forces without a physical opening, the system can handle volatile inks without the risk of evaporation-induced clogging, expanding ink material compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical nozzle-based ink delivery system with an electrohydrodynamic jet generation system. This substitution eliminates the mechanical opening that causes clogging with volatile inks, allowing the use of a broader range of ink materials including those with high volatility
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 solution prevents nozzle clogging, ensures consistent ink deposition regardless of surface flatness, and allows for the use of previously unprintable ink materials with high volatility, achieving controlled and consistent ink release.
Implementation Method 1
the present teachings employ a wetting system that releases a controlled volume of material on the surface of the conductive rod
Implementation Method 2
the present teachings employ a wetting system that releases a controlled volume of material on the surface of the conductive rod
Implementation Method 3
electro-hydrodynamic jet (e-jet) printing
Data Source
AI summary
A print head assembly for printing an ink on a substrate having a printing pin member having a tip; a wetting system having an ink reservoir, the wetting system being configured to transfer ink from the ink reservoir to the tip of the printing pin member; and a charging system operably coupled to the printing pin member, the charging system configured to apply a high voltage charge to the printing pin member resulting in the ink on the tip of the printing pin member to be deposited upon the substrate.