CO2 Laser Elastomer Removal for Precision Equipment Reuse

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Manual methods for removing elastomer material from electronic device manufacturing equipment are labor-intensive, prone to operator error, and result in high scrap rates and inconsistency, leading to frequent equipment replacement and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A laser-based automatic method using a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser system with a laser scanning system and control system to efficiently remove elastomer material from target surfaces, reducing contamination and enabling equipment reusability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual methods are used to remove elastomer material, then labor intensity is high, but removal accuracy and consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelabor intensityVSAvoidremoval accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical removal methods with an automated laser-based removal system. The laser system uses optical energy to precisely remove elastomer material without requiring manual labor, thereby eliminating labor intensity issues while maintaining high removal accuracy and consistency through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs controllable laser parameters (such as power, pulse duration, and scanning speed) to optimize the elastomer removal process. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves consistent and accurate removal while operating automatically, resolving both the labor intensity and precision issues simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If manual removal methods are used, then operator error increases, but equipment replacement frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator error rateVSAvoidequipment replacement frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated laser removal system replaces manual operations, eliminating operator error entirely. The system uses programmed control to consistently remove elastomer material without human intervention, thereby improving reliability while reducing equipment replacement frequency through consistent, high-quality removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser removal system is designed to operate autonomously with automated positioning and control systems that self-adjust during the removal process. This self-service capability ensures consistent results without operator involvement, preventing both operator error and the need for frequent equipment replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If manual removal is used, then scrap rates increase, but removal consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescrap rateVSAvoidremoval consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The automated laser system replaces manual removal processes, eliminating the variability inherent in manual operations. The consistent laser parameters and automated control ensure uniform removal across all components, thereby reducing scrap rates while maintaining high removal consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser removal system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor the removal process in real-time and adjust parameters to maintain consistency. This feedback loop ensures that each removal operation produces consistent results, reducing scrap rates while maintaining high precision throughout production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

The laser-based method enhances accuracy, precision, and cost-effectiveness, reducing scrap rates, extending equipment lifespan, and improving manufacturing efficiency while minimizing waste and environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

causing, by the at least one processing device, the elastomer removal system to remove at least the portion of the elastomer material from the target surface in accordance with the set of parameters

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

the elastomer removal system includes laser generation system comprising a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP4461454A1Removing elastomers from electronic device manufacturing equipment using laser technology

Publication Date: 2024.11.13 APPLIED MATERIALS INC

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 1D~1E

AI summary

A method includes initializing, by at least one processing device, a set of parameters of an elastomer removal system for removing at least a portion of an elastomer material from a target surface, wherein the elastomer removal system includes laser generation system comprising a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, and causing, by the at least one processing device, the elastomer removal system to remove at least the portion of the elastomer material from the target surface in accordance with the set of parameters.