Position-Controlled Nozzle Patterning to Prevent Liquid Flow Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3D printing techniques fail to maintain pattern integrity due to fluid flow interference caused by nozzle movement, leading to disruptions in forming continuous lines or patterns in liquids.

Innovation Solution

The method involves controlling nozzle movement perpendicular to the drawing surface and removing it from the liquid phase to maintain pattern stability, using a position-controllable nozzle to discharge and draw patterns with specific angles and gaps, allowing for flexible pattern design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the nozzle moves rapidly to form droplets in a liquid with different hydrophilicity, then droplet formation is achieved, but a flow is generated that prevents formation of a fine pattern

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle movement speedVSAvoidpattern formation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by moving the nozzle in the vertical direction (perpendicular to the liquid surface) rather than only horizontally. This allows the nozzle to approach and retract from the liquid surface, forming patterns through controlled discharge and removal cycles, thereby avoiding continuous flow interference while maintaining pattern precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic action by repeatedly cycling the nozzle between approaching the liquid surface to discharge material and retracting to remove the nozzle. This periodic discharge-removal cycle allows pattern formation without continuous flow, enabling fine pattern precision while maintaining efficient production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If the nozzle moves parallel to the drawing surface to discharge fluid, then continuous line drawing is attempted, but the flow generated by nozzle movement changes the pattern of the fluid causing failure in target drawing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern drawing efficiencyVSAvoidpattern accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from horizontal nozzle movement parallel to the liquid surface to vertical movement perpendicular to the surface. This dimensional change allows the nozzle to discharge material at specific positions and then retract completely, eliminating flow interference caused by continuous horizontal movement and enabling accurate pattern formation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the harmful flow interference by completely removing the nozzle from the liquid phase between discharge cycles. By taking out the nozzle from the liquid environment after each discharge, the system eliminates continuous flow generation while maintaining pattern drawing efficiency through rapid cyclic operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4596217A1Method for producing pattern-containing liquid using position-controllable nozzle
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 SUNTORY HLDG LTD
  • EP4596217A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4596217A1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP4596217A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

The present invention aims to provide a method for producing a pattern-containing liquid, a pattern-containing liquid, and a device for producing a pattern-containing liquid each having a high flexibility in designing a pattern in a liquid, as well as software to be operated in the device for producing a pattern-containing liquid. The present invention relates to, for example, a method for producing a pattern-containing liquid, the method including: a drawing step of drawing a representation by discharging a pattern-forming liquid material into a liquid using a position-controllable nozzle; and after drawing the representation, a removing step of removing the nozzle from the representation by moving the nozzle in a direction away from a drawing surface for the representation without discharging the liquid material through the nozzle.