Deposition Mask Dummy Pattern Layout for Pixel Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable devices such as HMDs and AR glasses require high-resolution displays with at least 2000 PPI, but existing deposition methods struggle with pixel position accuracy (PPA) reliability, shadow defects, and accumulation of deposition material on the mask.

Innovation Solution

A deposition mask with a substrate featuring cell patterns and irregular dummy patterns, and deposition equipment incorporating this mask, enhance PPA and reduce shadow defects and material accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional deposition masks with uniform patterns are used, then manufacturing is simple, but pixel position accuracy reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepixel position accuracyVSAvoidmask pattern complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different dummy pattern configurations in different regions of the mask. The mask includes a first dummy pattern with a first width and a second dummy pattern with a second width greater than the first width, allowing different areas to have optimized characteristics for their specific functions - improving pixel position accuracy while managing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements asymmetry by using irregular dummy patterns with varying widths rather than uniform symmetric patterns. The second dummy pattern has a greater width than the first dummy pattern, creating an asymmetric structure that improves deposition control and pixel position accuracy for high-resolution displays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional masks without irregular dummy patterns are used, then shadow defects are more severe, but the patent introduces irregular dummy patterns to reduce them

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshadow defectsVSAvoiddummy pattern design
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces shadow defects by implementing local quality through strategically positioned dummy patterns. The first and second dummy patterns are placed in specific locations with different widths to control deposition material flow locally, preventing shadow defects in critical areas while maintaining overall mask functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of substance

If conventional masks are used, then deposition material accumulates on the mask, but the patent designs irregular dummy patterns to minimize accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeposition material accumulationVSAvoidmask structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent minimizes deposition material accumulation by using local quality principles in the dummy pattern design. The varying widths of the first and second dummy patterns create different deposition characteristics in different regions, preventing material buildup in areas where it would most affect performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250354255A1Mask and deposition apparatus including same
Publication Date: 2025.11.20 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US20250354255A1 patent drawing
  • US20250354255A1 patent drawing
  • US20250354255A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A deposition mask includes a substrate with a cell pattern disposed in each of a plurality of cell openings in the substrate. The cell pattern is formed by an inorganic film and includes a mask membrane pattern with a plurality of openings. A dummy pattern surrounds the mask membrane pattern, and the width of the dummy pattern is irregular. A deposition apparatus includes the deposition mask.