Print Head Valve Element Segmentation for Precision Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial printing processes, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing, face challenges in achieving precision and reliability when applying printing media to substrates due to contamination in flow paths and the inability to precisely control pressure medium flow at multiple outlet openings.
Innovation Solution
A print head design with a rotatably mounted valve element that allows for precise control of printing medium output and flushing, featuring a flushing medium connection and a scavenging medium line to facilitate quick cleaning and prevent contamination, enabling high throughput and precise application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a central valve is used to control flow at multiple outlet openings, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to precisely control pressure medium flow at each outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single central valve into multiple individual valves, with each valve controlling a specific outlet opening. This segmentation allows precise independent control of printing medium flow at each outlet, resolving the precision issue while accepting increased device complexity as a necessary trade-off for high-precision manufacturing
2Manufacturing precision
If valve elements are provided for each outlet opening, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements segmentation by providing individual valve elements for each outlet opening, enabling precise control of printing medium flow at each location. This directly addresses the manufacturing precision requirement for high-precision semiconductor manufacturing applications
Solution Approach 2:
Each outlet opening is equipped with its own valve element, allowing local control and optimization of flow characteristics at each specific location. This local quality approach ensures that each outlet can be precisely controlled according to its specific requirements
3Ease of operation
If flushing medium connection is connected to outlet openings, then ease of operation is improved for cleaning, but reliability deteriorates due to potential contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a flushing system that can be activated before printing operations to clean the flow paths and outlet openings. This preliminary cleaning action prevents contamination before it affects printing reliability, while the selective activation ensures flushing only occurs when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The flushing medium acts as an intermediary substance that temporarily replaces the printing medium in the flow path to perform cleaning. This intermediary approach allows effective cleaning without direct contact between printing medium and contaminants, maintaining printing medium purity and reliability
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 enhances precision and reliability in printing by reducing contamination and allowing for rapid cleaning, thereby achieving high throughput and minimizing the risk of failure in industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
The valve element is rotatably mounted in the printhead housing in order to control between a first pressure operating state, in which the feed opening is fluidly connected to the outlet openings
Implementation Method 2
a second blocking operating state, in which there is no fluidly connecting link between the feed opening and the outlet openings
Implementation Method 3
the flushing medium line is designed to transport the flushing medium from the flushing medium connection to the outlet openings
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a print head for applying a printing medium to a substrate, in particular a semiconductor structure such as a photovoltaic solar cell, having a print head housing and a valve element, wherein the print head housing has at least one feed opening for feeding in printing medium and a plurality of outlet openings for discharging the printing medium, wherein the valve element is mounted rotatably in the print head housing, in order to switch between a first printing operating state, in which the feed opening is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the outlet openings, and a second shut-off operating state, in which there is no fluid-conducting connection between the feed opening and the outlet openings. The invention is characterized in that the print head has at least one flushing medium connector and the valve element is configured and mounted rotatably in the print head housing in such a way that, in a third flushing operating state, the flushing medium connector is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the outlet openings and, in the first and second operating state, there is no fluid-conducting connection between the flushing medium connector and the outlet openings.