Circuit Partitioning for Parallel Fabrication Across Multiple Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern circuit fabrication is limited by machine capabilities, as designs exceeding machine size or type limitations can only be printed on a subset of machines, reducing production capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method to divide an original circuit design into portions based on boundary determination, assigning these portions to printers according to their dimensions and capabilities, and fabricating them separately before assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple machines operate in parallel to improve production capacity, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases due to needing to divide and manage multiple circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the original circuit into multiple portions that can be fabricated separately on different machines. Boundaries are determined to split the circuit into portions that fit within machine capabilities while minimizing wire crossings, enabling parallel fabrication across multiple machines to increase production capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that automatically determines boundaries, assigns portions to machines, and manages the fabrication process. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of dividing and coordinating multiple circuits, allowing multiple machines to operate in parallel without increasing operational complexity.
2Productivity
If circuits are divided into portions for parallel fabrication, then productivity increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to connection accuracy needs
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is segmented into portions with clearly defined boundaries, enabling separate fabrication while maintaining connection integrity. The segmentation is designed to minimize wire crossings and maintain connection accuracy, allowing parallel production without compromising precision requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If boundaries are determined to divide the circuit, then ease of manufacture improves by enabling parallel fabrication, but device complexity increases due to boundary determination and assignment processes
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary system automatically handles boundary determination and machine assignment, simplifying the manufacturing process. This intermediary layer manages the complexity of dividing circuits and coordinating multiple machines, making parallel fabrication easier rather than more complex.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for fabricating a circuit include determining boundaries to divide an original circuit into portions based on resulting portion size and a number of wires crossed by the boundaries. The portions are assigned to respective printers in accordance with the dimensions of the portions and the capabilities of the printers. The portions are fabricated using the assigned printers. A finished circuit is assembled by forming connections between the portions to connect wires broken by the boundaries.