Edge Detection Coil Layout for Multi-Direction Crack Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current crack detection methods in the cutting process of substrates like wafers and glass are limited by unidirectional crack detection lines, which fail to detect cracks not intersecting these lines, resulting in low precision and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A crack detection circuit with a detection coil arranged around the edge of a substrate, featuring multiple detection sections extending in different directions to form a closed-loop circuit, allowing for the detection of cracks in various orientations by breaking under tensile stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate detection device is used to detect cracks in the light-shielding film, then crack detection capability is provided, but the device structure becomes more complex and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrack detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the crack detection function with the existing display device by integrating a detection circuit into the driver circuit structure. The detection circuit shares the gate line structure and uses the same TFT switches and capacitors that already exist in the display driving architecture, thereby achieving crack detection without adding separate independent detection hardware. This merging approach resolves the contradiction by providing detection capability while avoiding increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect cracks in the light-shielding film, verify the integrity of gate lines, and work alongside the normal display driving function. By making the detection circuit multi-functional and integrating it into the existing driver architecture, the patent avoids the need for separate dedicated detection devices, thus resolving the contradiction between detection capability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a detection circuit is integrated into the driver circuit, then device complexity is reduced, but the driving capability may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoiddriving capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The driver circuit is segmented into distinct functional modules: a detection circuit portion and a normal driving circuit portion. The detection circuit uses specific TFT switches (first and second switches) and capacitors dedicated to detection, while the normal driving circuit handles display signal transmission. This segmentation allows both functions to operate independently without interfering with each other, resolving the contradiction by maintaining driving capability while achieving integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit dynamically switches between detection mode and driving mode by controlling the state of specific TFT switches. During normal operation, the driving function is active; during detection, the detection function is activated by changing switch states. This dynamic operation ensures that the integrated circuit can perform both functions at different times without compromising either detection reliability or driving capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If crack detection is performed during display operation, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous monitoring capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The crack detection is performed periodically by controlling the TFT switches to switch between detection mode and driving mode, rather than continuously operating in detection mode. The detection circuit activates at specific intervals to check for cracks, then returns to normal driving operation. This periodic action provides continuous monitoring capability over time while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous detection operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic 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

This solution enhances crack detection precision and efficiency by enabling the detection of cracks in multiple directions, improving the reliability of cut substrate fragments and increasing product yield.

Implementation Method 1

a first capacitor connected between a first node and a second node, the first capacitor to hold a detection signal voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a second capacitor connected between a third node and a fourth node, the second capacitor to hold a reference signal voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3413065B1Device provided with crack detection circuit, and detection system
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3413065B1 patent drawingFigure 1-1~1-2
  • EP3413065B1 patent drawingFigure 2-1~3-1
  • EP3413065B1 patent drawingFigure 3-2~4-2

AI summary

Embodiments of this application provide an apparatus equipped with a crack detection circuit, including a main body, and a detection control module and a detection coil that are disposed on the main body. The main body includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side surface connected between the top surface and the bottom surface. The detection coil is distributed on an edge of the main body and disposed surrounding the side surface. Two ends of the detection coil are electrically connected to the detection control module, to form a closed-loop detection circuit. The detection circuit is configured to detect a crack in an edge region of the main body. The detection coil includes a plurality of detection sections that are sequentially connected head-to-tail, and adjacent detection sections are not collinear. This application further provides a crack detection system. The embodiments of this application implement detection on a crack in any direction on the main body, thereby improving crack detection precision and efficiency.