Curved Laser Surface Structuring for Predetermined Substrate Separation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for structuring substrate surfaces, such as separation surfaces, often fail to achieve a predetermined target surface due to uncontrolled pre-damages in the substrate material, leading to inconsistent results and the need for mechanical stress.

Innovation Solution

Exposing the substrate material to an electromagnetic field in curved effective areas to induce a non-linear interaction, allowing precise control over the substrate's surface formation through nonlinear absorption, which influences the material to create a predetermined surface without mechanical stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional separation processes (scoring and breaking, wheel cutting, laser-based thermal separation) are used, then substrate material can be separated, but uncontrolled pre-damages occur in the substrate material leading to inability to achieve predetermined target surface

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepredetermined target surfaceVSAvoidcontrol of pre-damages

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical separation processes (scoring, wheel cutting) with electromagnetic field-based laser structuring. The laser creates curved effective areas that induce nonlinear interactions in the substrate material, forming predetermined surfaces without mechanical contact and uncontrolled pre-damages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of substrate material through controlled laser exposure. By adjusting laser parameters (energy, duration, curvature), the substrate material undergoes specific transformations in the curved effective areas, enabling precise surface formation without mechanical damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If mechanical stress is applied to separate substrate, then separation can be achieved, but the substrate requires mechanical stress which complicates the process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation processVSAvoidmechanical stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical stress application by using electromagnetic field-based laser structuring. The laser creates curved effective areas that directly modify the substrate material properties, enabling separation without mechanical force application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary laser structuring to create curved effective areas and modify substrate material properties before separation is needed. This preliminary electromagnetic action prepares the substrate for clean separation without requiring subsequent mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional methods are used to structure thin substrates, then surfaces can be formed, but polishing processes are required which add complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface structuringVSAvoidpolishing processes

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical polishing processes with electromagnetic field-based laser structuring. The laser creates precisely controlled curved effective areas that directly form the desired surface geometry, eliminating the need for subsequent mechanical polishing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves precise surface structuring by controlling laser parameters (energy, duration, curvature) to directly modify substrate material properties in curved effective areas, forming the final surface without requiring additional polishing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables efficient and precise structuring of substrate surfaces, including separation surfaces, without mechanical stress, allowing for high strength and resistance, and enabling structuring of thin substrates without polishing processes.

Implementation Method 1

the nonlinear interaction causes at least one nonlinear absorption of the electromagnetic field in the substrate material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNonlinear absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12486197B2Method of surface structuring a substrate body and substrate body

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 SCHOTT AG

AI summary

A method for preparing and/or carrying out the structuring of a predetermined or predeterminable distinguished surface of a substrate body having a substrate material includes exposing the substrate material in at least one curved effective area to an electromagnetic field which in each of the at least one curved effective area causes a non-linear interaction between the electromagnetic field and the substrate material, and thus at least partially influencing the substrate material arranged in the curved effective area. After the structuring of the distinguished surface the distinguished surface has at least in certain areas at least one first curved progression which is at least partially determined and/or influenced by the curved shape of the at least one curved effective area. The nonlinear interaction causes at least one nonlinear absorption of the electromagnetic field in the substrate material.