Slot Nozzle Printing Device for OLED Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing devices for OLED displays face challenges in achieving precise pattern formation due to foreign particle contamination, high-speed nozzle movement, long drying times, and difficulty in accurate droplet placement, especially with inkjet printing methods which are influenced by external air flows and the lightweight nature of droplet-shaped solutions.
Innovation Solution
A printing device configuration with a substrate fixing unit, solution discharge unit, and drive unit that moves in a relative manner to discharge printing solutions from below the substrate, utilizing a manifold configuration for uniform discharge and real-time drying, minimizing air flow interference and eliminating the need for piezo elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If inkjet printing is used to discharge printing solution as droplets, then printing can be performed, but additional time for smoothing film is needed and drying time becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the printing solution from droplet form to continuous film form by using a slot-type nozzle instead of a conventional inkjet nozzle. This parameter change in discharge形态 allows the printing solution to be deposited as a continuous layer that dries faster and eliminates the need for prolonged smoothing time, directly resolving the time loss contradiction.
2Productivity
If high-speed nozzle movement is used to increase productivity, then printing efficiency improves, but it becomes difficult to print particles at accurate positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by moving the substrate beneath a stationary slot-type nozzle rather than moving the nozzle over a stationary substrate. This inversion allows the substrate to be precisely positioned and moved at controlled speeds while the continuous film deposition from the stationary nozzle ensures accurate pattern formation, resolving the contradiction between high-speed printing and position accuracy.
3Area of stationary object
If reciprocal motion of the head is used for printing, then coverage is achieved, but printing tact is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous unidirectional movement of the substrate beneath the slot-type nozzle, eliminating the need for reciprocal motion. The continuous film deposition from the stationary nozzle allows the substrate to move in one direction only, maintaining continuous printing action without reversal time, thus reducing printing tact while achieving complete substrate coverage.
4Manufacturing precision
If inkjet printing with droplet-shaped printing solution is used, then printing can be performed, but external air flow and lightweight nature of droplets make precise pattern formation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the discharge形态 of the printing solution from discrete droplets to a continuous film through the slot-type nozzle. This parameter change increases the mass and stability of the deposited material, making it resistant to external air flow influences and enabling precise pattern formation, directly resolving the contradiction between pattern precision and air flow sensitivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a printing device includes a substrate fixing unit to a bottom of which a substrate is fixed. The device includes a solution discharge unit separately disposed in a bottom direction and spaced apart from the substrate fixing unit and to deliver a printing solution to the substrate by discharging printing solutions with various colors. The device includes a solution supply unit to supply the printing solution to the solution discharge unit. The device also includes a drive unit configured to control the substrate fixing unit to move with respect to the solution discharge unit or to control the solution discharge unit to move with respect to the substrate fixing unit.