Optically Transmissive Plate for Continuous Printing Material Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing commercial printing technologies, such as stencil printing and laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT), are batch-based or roll-to-roll, leading to poor material usage efficiency and complexity in heat flux homogenization, limiting their industrialization and ability to deposit fine dots of materials like solder paste or conductive glues continuously.
Innovation Solution
A device using a rotatably suspended optically transmissive plate with through-hole cavities, offset optical and filling arrangements, and a collimated optical source for continuous deposition, ensuring homogeneous heat flux and efficient filling without air pockets, allowing for a compact and continuous printing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If batch-based or roll-to-roll printing technologies are used, then material replenishment and continuous operation are enabled, but material usage efficiency deteriorates and process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotatable optically transmissive plate that dynamically transitions between different operational zones: a first area for illumination and deposition, and a second area for material filling. This dynamic repositioning allows the same plate to serve multiple functions sequentially, enabling continuous deposition without material waste while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optically transmissive plate is functionally segmented into distinct zones: a first area for optical illumination and material deposition, and a second area for material filling. This spatial segmentation allows independent optimization of each function and enables continuous operation by rotating the plate between these specialized zones, resolving the contradiction between continuous production and material efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional printing plates are used, then material deposition is achieved, but heat flux homogenization becomes complex and uncontrolled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating through-hole cavities with specific geometric characteristics (opening-to-depth ratio between 0.2-0.8) that are optimized for uniform heat distribution. The cavity geometry is locally tailored to ensure homogeneous heat flux, which controls material outflow precision without requiring complex external heat management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the cavities (opening-to-depth ratio, cylindrical shape) to optimize heat flux distribution. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system achieves homogeneous heating and controlled material deposition while minimizing the complexity of heat flux management, as the cavity geometry itself provides the homogenization function.
3Productivity
If through-hole cavities are used, then material filling efficiency is improved, but cavity sealing and air pocket elimination become critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by filling the through-hole cavities with material before the illumination step. The filling arrangement ensures that cavities are completely filled and air pockets are eliminated in advance. This preliminary filling prevents air entrapment during the subsequent illumination and deposition process, ensuring reliable and consistent material transfer while maintaining high filling 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
Enables continuous, efficient, and controlled deposition of printing materials with improved material usage and heat flux homogenization, facilitating industrial-scale applications.
Implementation Method 1
LIFT is based on the principle that the illuminated printing material in the cavity will heat-up and be propelled, as a result of gas production due to evaporation, from the cavity
Implementation Method 2
gas production due to evaporation
Implementation Method 3
an optically transmissive plate (printing plate) comprises a surface provided with printing or deposition cavities... The opposite side or back side of the optically transmissive printing plate is selectively illuminated by an optical signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
The invention is directed at a device for depositing a printing material comprising an optically transmissive plate comprising a first and second surface. The first surface provides an optical reception surface. The second surface comprises deposition cavities for holding printing material prior to deposition. An optical source provides optical radiation to the first surface. The plate is rotatably suspended. The optical source is in a first area adjacent and opposite the first surface, offset from an axis of rotation of the plate. The device comprises a filling arrangement in a second area adjacent the second surface of the plate, also offset from the rotation axis and different from the first area. This enables periodic filling of cavities during rotation of the plate. The cavities are through holes extending from the first to the second surface. Also a deposition method is disclosed.