Method and apparatus for dispensing liquid droplets

• Main Authors: Andi Tao, Albert Kocsis, Thomas Blythe, Alan Hudd, Simon Kew
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 15.09.2021
• Subjects: CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS; i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; LINING MACHINES; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PRINTING; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS; STAMPS; TRANSPORTING; TYPEWRITERS

A liquid dispensing element comprises a dispensing plate 12 comprising a plurality of orifices 18; the dispensing plate at least partially defining a fluid flow path; and a plurality of piezoelectric transducers 17 each comprising a piston 16 configured to move perpendicular to the dispensing plate between a first position wherein the piston is spaced from the dispensing plate and a second position wherein the piston approaches the dispensing plate. Each piston is configured, upon actuation by a piezoelectric component, to move between the first and second positions to create a pressure wave directed at a corresponding orifice of the dispensing plate. The movement between the first and second positions results in the ejection of a droplet 20 of fluid via a surface cavitation droplet ejection process such that the diameter of the droplet is less than a diameter of the orifice. Each piston may be tapered. The liquid dispensing element may include an upper plate 22 through which the piston is configured to pass. The upper plate may be formed from an elastomeric material having a thickness between 50µm to 300µm. There may be provide a seal between each orifice and corresponding piston.