Synchronized Topology Measurement for Landed Dot Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring landed dots from functional liquid droplet ejection nozzles face inaccuracies due to varying time frames from ejection to measurement, leading to solvent evaporation and unstable reference levels, making relative measurements unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus where a topology measuring apparatus with an interferometer follows the functional liquid droplet ejection head, ensuring synchronized movement and measurement of landed dots from each nozzle, maintaining consistent time frames and minimizing evaporation effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the topology measuring apparatus measures landed dots after all inspection ejections are completed with the apparatus moved in X and Y directions, then the measurement process is simple and sequential, but the time frames from landing to measuring for respective dots become different, causing solvent evaporation and measurement inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The topology measuring apparatus is positioned and ready to measure before the ejection nozzles complete their inspection ejections. The measurement process is initiated in advance while the ejection head is still moving, ensuring that all landed dots are measured at substantially the same time frame after landing, thereby minimizing solvent evaporation effects and maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a static measurement approach (measuring after all ejections are completed with the apparatus stationary) to a dynamic measurement approach where the topology measuring apparatus moves synchronously with the ejection head during inspection ejections. This dynamic positioning ensures that the measurement timing relative to dot landing is consistent across all nozzles, eliminating the evaporation-induced measurement errors.
2Productivity
If multiple ejection nozzles eject liquid droplets simultaneously and are measured sequentially, then the measurement process is straightforward, but the reference level becomes unstable due to varying evaporation amounts, making relative measurements inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The topology measuring apparatus is prepared and positioned in advance to measure each landed dot immediately after it is deposited, before significant evaporation can occur. This preliminary measurement action ensures that all dots, regardless of which nozzle ejected them, are measured at comparable time points, stabilizing the reference level for relative measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement process continues continuously as the ejection head moves through its inspection ejections. The topology measuring apparatus maintains continuous operation, measuring each landed dot as it is deposited without interruption or delay. This continuous measurement approach ensures consistent timing across all dots, maintaining reference level stability while preserving measurement efficiency.
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
This approach enables accurate and efficient measurement of landed dots, allowing for precise relative measurements and reducing the impact of solvent evaporation, thereby stabilizing the reference level and improving measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a topology measuring apparatus having an interferometer measures topology of a landed dot
Data Source
AI summary
A landed dot measuring method in which a topology measuring apparatus having an interferometer measures topology of a landed dot which is a functional liquid droplet landed on an inspection sheet when an inspection ejection for a functional liquid droplet ejection head is performed including: inspection-ejecting in which multiple ejection nozzles of a functional liquid droplet ejection head inspection-eject one by one at a time interval while the functional liquid droplet ejection head is moved in a main scanning direction relatively with respect to the inspection sheet and; and measuring in which respective topologies of multiple landed dots are measured while the topology measuring apparatus follows the functional liquid droplet ejection head and moves in the main scanning direction at a same speed as the functional liquid droplet ejection head relatively with respect to the inspection sheet.