Draw Head Flow Guiding Channel Prevents CDA Hole Clogging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional coating equipment in TFT-LCD manufacturing experiences clogging of compress dry air (CDA) holes due to cured photoresist material, leading to abnormal pressure releases and requiring frequent maintenance, which is inefficient and resource-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A draw device with flow guiding channels adjacent to pressure holes in the draw head, allowing for the timely removal of drawn liquids and preventing clogging, combined with air guiding tubes for compressed air supply and an exhaust tube for liquid discharge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If photoresist material is used for coating process, then coating function is achieved, but CDA hole becomes clogged by cured photoresist material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoating process stabilityVSAvoidCDA hole clogging

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful function (photoresist material entering CDA hole) by introducing a separate liquid discharge path through the flow guiding channel. This channel directs drawn liquid away from the pressure hole, preventing clogging while maintaining the coating function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow guiding channel acts as an intermediary structure between the pressure hole and the external environment. It provides a controlled path for liquid discharge, mediating the interaction between photoresist material and CDA hole to prevent direct contact and clogging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If monthly maintenance cleaning is performed on CDA hole, then some contamination is removed, but clogging problem cannot be completely solved and consumes manpower

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-cleaning through the flow guiding channel that continuously discharges drawn liquid during normal operation. This automatic liquid removal prevents accumulation and curing of photoresist material, eliminating the need for manual maintenance while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The flow guiding channel operates continuously during the coating process, constantly removing drawn liquid from the pressure hole area. This continuous action prevents clogging before it occurs, rather than requiring periodic maintenance interruptions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If CDA hole is clogged by cured photoresist material, then abnormal pressure releases occur, but production must be stopped for maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure control stabilityVSAvoiddowntime for maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The flow guiding channel performs preliminary action by continuously discharging drawn liquid before it can cure and cause clogging. This preventive measure maintains pressure control stability and avoids production stoppages by eliminating the root cause of clogging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Effectively prevents pressure hole clogging, reduces downtime, and increases throughput by ensuring smooth operation of the coating process.

Implementation Method 1

each pressure hole communicates with the corresponding flow guiding channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

one side of the draw device facing away from the draw tube is provided with at least one air guiding tube respectively disposed corresponding to the at least one pressure hole, each pressure hole communicates with the corresponding air guiding tube, and each air guiding tube is used to supply dry compressed air into the corresponding pressure hole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompressed air:

Implementation Method 3

one side of the draw head facing away from the draw tube is provided with an exhaust tube communicating with the draw opening, and the exhaust tube is for discharging a drawn liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11433419B2Draw device, draw equipment, and coating system

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 TCL CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention provides a draw device. The draw device includes a draw head, a draw opening, a draw tube, at least one pressure hole, and at least one flow guiding channel. The at least one flow guiding channel is respectively arranged corresponding to the at least one pressure hole. Each flow guiding channel communicates with the corresponding pressure hole to take out a drawn liquid inside the pressure hole.