Vibrating Injector for Powder Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for applying powdered or granulated materials to surfaces, such as ceramic products, are limited in their ability to reproduce complex designs and patterns without using consumable materials like masks or rollers, and they struggle with digital variation and three-dimensional textures, especially when using inkjet technology which is restricted by particle size, density, and viscosity requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for depositing powdered or granulated solids onto a surface using a nipple or injector with a transducer that induces oscillating movements, allowing controlled ejection through a discharge opening, enabling the reproduction of patterns and designs without consumable materials and allowing for digital control and variation in deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If inkjet technology is used to deposit powdered materials, then digital control and precision deposition are improved, but particle size, density, and viscosity requirements limit the range of applicable materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional inkjet mechanical deposition systems with a vibrational field-based deposition system. The vibrational element generates controlled vibrations that facilitate powder deposition through the screen without requiring the powder to meet strict size, density, or viscosity specifications, thus maintaining digital control while expanding material versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the deposition mechanism from direct inkjet spraying to vibration-assisted screen deposition. By adjusting vibrational parameters (frequency, amplitude, pattern), the system achieves precise digital control over deposition while accommodating a broader range of material properties, effectively decoupling precision from material constraints
2Adaptability or versatility
If consumable materials like masks or rollers are used to reproduce designs, then pattern reproduction capability is improved, but device complexity and ongoing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a screen with openings that acts as a reusable template for pattern reproduction. The screen can be digitally programmed with different opening patterns, eliminating the need for physical masks or rollers while maintaining the ability to reproduce complex designs and patterns consistently
Solution Approach 2:
The screen structure serves multiple functions: it defines the deposition pattern, controls material flow, and can be reconfigured digitally for different designs. This single universal component replaces multiple specialized consumables (masks, rollers, stencils), reducing device complexity and ongoing operational costs
3Productivity
If traditional spraying methods are used, then material application speed is improved, but control over deposition precision and pattern accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vibrational element that generates controlled vibrations during the screening and deposition process. These vibrations facilitate rapid material passage through the screen while the screen's fixed opening patterns ensure precise deposition accuracy, achieving both high productivity and high pattern accuracy simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The screen acts as an intermediary between the bulk material supply and the deposition surface. It mediates the process by allowing rapid material flow through its openings while maintaining precise pattern control, thus decoupling deposition speed from pattern accuracy requirements
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 the precise and controlled deposition of powdered or granulated materials onto surfaces, allowing for the creation of complex designs and three-dimensional textures without the need for consumable materials, overcoming limitations in existing technologies related to particle size and viscosity.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer associated to said nipple or injector in such a way that the activation of said transducer produces oscillating or vibrating movements on the surface containing said ejection opening
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 1d~1e
AI summary
Method for deposition of solids onto a surface, with one nipple or injector, which contains an ejection opening, being associated to at least one transducer, in such a way that the activation of said transducer, in contact with some of the injector surfaces, produces thereon oscillating or vibrating movements of the surface containing the ejection opening and in such a way that a solid, powdered or granulated material, located therein, is sprayed at the lower side of said nipple or injector through the injector opening and in a direction (z) being perpendicular to the plane in which said opening is located, such that said material is deposited onto a surface situated underneath the injector.