Corrective Circuit Layout for Printed Electronics Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for miniaturization in electronic devices poses a challenge for printed electronic modules, as current manufacturing processes require complex and expensive equipment to achieve accurate component placement and electrical continuity, leading to high costs and poor yields due to misalignment issues.
Innovation Solution
A method using corrective communication path layout data to correct misalignment by providing conductive, semi-conductive, or optical paths between components, which can be printed using techniques like inkjet printing or etching, allowing for accurate component placement without the need for expensive tooling, and includes the use of neural networks for image analysis to determine displacement and generate corrective path data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex and expensive manufacturing equipment is used to achieve accurate component placement, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating corrective communication path layout data that compensates for anticipated misalignment. Instead of using complex equipment to prevent misalignment, the system prepares correction data in advance that can be applied to simple printing equipment, thereby achieving accurate component placement without expensive tooling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a digital model of the corrective communication path layout based on detected misalignment. This digital correction data is then applied to guide the printing process, allowing simple equipment to achieve precision that would otherwise require complex manufacturing tooling
2Manufacturing precision
If complex manufacturing equipment is used to ensure accurate component placement, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cheap short-living objects by using disposable or low-cost printing equipment to create corrective communication paths. Rather than investing in expensive, precision manufacturing equipment, the system uses affordable printing tools guided by corrective layout data, achieving accurate component placement without high capital expenditure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the communication path layout parameters based on detected misalignment. The corrective layout data adjusts trace routes, via positions, and connection points to compensate for displacement, allowing standard printing equipment to achieve precision results through software-based parameter optimization rather than hardware complexity
3Device complexity
If standard manufacturing processes are used without correction, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the corrective communication path layout data - that mediates between simple printing equipment and the requirement for precise component placement. This intermediate correction layer translates misalignment detection into actionable printing guidance, allowing straightforward manufacturing processes to achieve high precision without complex equipment
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a method comprising: examining the location of one or more feature(s) of the one or more component(s) of a circuit arrangement to determine the displacement of the location of said one or more associated communication contact(s) with respect to a designed location for the communication contact(s), and providing corrective communication path layout data of said circuit arrangement based upon the said displacement(s).