CO2 Laser Elastomer Removal for Reusable Manufacturing Equipment
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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 decreased yields and frequent equipment replacement, which increases costs and negatively affects manufacturing efficiency.
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 operator error and enabling reusability of equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual methods are used to remove elastomer material, then operator control and flexibility are maintained, but labor intensity increases and consistency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical removal methods with an automated laser-based system. The laser generation system with scanning system automatically targets and removes elastomer material without direct operator intervention, eliminating labor-intensive manual operations while maintaining precise control through programmed parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated laser system performs the elastomer removal task independently once initialized. The control system manages the entire removal process autonomously, adjusting parameters and directing the laser beam without continuous operator input, thereby improving productivity while preserving operational control through initial parameter setting.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual removal methods are used, then equipment can be maintained, but operator error increases and scrap rates rise
Solution Approach 1:
The automated laser system incorporates feedback mechanisms through programmed control parameters that ensure consistent elastomer removal. The system monitors and adjusts laser parameters automatically, eliminating operator variability and reducing scrap rates while maintaining equipment through consistent, controlled removal processes.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing manual operations with automated laser technology, the system eliminates operator error entirely. The programmed control system ensures consistent application of removal parameters, significantly improving reliability and reducing scrap rates while maintaining ease of equipment maintenance through automated precision.
3Productivity
If frequent equipment replacement occurs, then manufacturing continuity is maintained, but costs increase and environmental sustainability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated laser system enables recovery and reuse of equipment components by precisely removing elastomer material without damaging underlying structures. This extends equipment lifespan and reduces the need for frequent replacements, lowering costs and improving environmental sustainability while maintaining manufacturing continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gentle, controlled laser removal process preserves equipment integrity compared to harsh manual methods. This extends equipment lifespan and reduces replacement frequency, achieving both manufacturing continuity and environmental sustainability through automated precision maintenance.
4Manufacturing precision
If automated laser system is implemented, then accuracy and precision improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated laser system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: the laser generation system, scanning system, and control system work together to perform precise elastomer removal with consistent accuracy. This multi-functional integration achieves high manufacturing precision while managing overall system complexity through coordinated operation of unified components.
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 throughput, reduces scrap rates, extends equipment lifespan, and decreases replacement costs, improving manufacturing efficiency and environmental sustainability by enabling the reuse of electronic device manufacturing equipment.
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
Implementation Method 2
the elastomer removal system includes laser generation system comprising a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser
Data Source
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.