Light-Emitting Element Alignment Using Electric Fields and UV Light

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display device manufacturing methods face challenges in achieving precise alignment of light-emitting elements, which affects the overall performance and efficiency of the display devices.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method involving a stage with electric field applying modules and a light irradiation module are used to apply alignment signals and UV or blue light to the light-emitting elements, generating permanent dipole moments and dielectrophoretic forces to precisely align the elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional manufacturing methods are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the alignment precision of light-emitting elements is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precision of light-emitting elementsVSAvoidcomplexity of manufacturing apparatus
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical alignment methods with an electric field-based alignment system. Voltage output modules generate electric fields that interact with light-emitting elements to achieve precise alignment without complex mechanical positioning mechanisms. The electric field applying modules with probe pins create controlled electric fields that manipulate the positioning of light-emitting elements through electrostatic forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in voltage parameters to control alignment. By varying the voltage output from the voltage output modules, the electric field strength and distribution are adjusted, enabling dynamic control over the alignment precision of light-emitting elements. This parameter-based control allows fine-tuning of alignment without mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If electric field applying modules are added to improve alignment precision, then alignment precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precision of light-emitting elementsVSAvoidcomplexity of manufacturing apparatus
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage output modules serve multiple functions: they generate electric fields for alignment, provide grounding references, and enable controlled manipulation of light-emitting elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving improved alignment precision.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple voltage output modules are used for alignment, then alignment precision improves, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precision of light-emitting elementsVSAvoidnumber of voltage output modules
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple voltage output modules into an integrated system where modules are strategically positioned to work cooperatively. By merging the functions of multiple modules into a coordinated system rather than independent components, the patent achieves enhanced alignment precision while minimizing the actual increase in component quantity through shared infrastructure and integrated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach improves the precision of light-emitting element alignment, enhancing the performance and efficiency of display devices by accurately positioning the elements.

Implementation Method 1

applying light to the substrate by applying a first alignment signal to first alignment pads by the first probe pins of the first electric field applying module; applying a second alignment signal to second alignment pads by the first probe pins of the first electric field applying module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoexcitation: Photoionisation

Implementation Method 2

applying alignment signals and UV or blue light to the light-emitting elements, generating permanent dipole moments and dielectrophoretic forces to precisely align the elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectrophoresis:

Data Source

PatentUS12166160B2Display device and method of manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2024.12.10 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US12166160B2 patent drawing
  • US12166160B2 patent drawing
  • US12166160B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus for manufacturing a display device includes a stage, a first electric field applying module including first probe pins and disposed on a first side of the stage, a light irradiation module including light-emitting elements and disposed on the stage, and a first voltage output module that outputs an emission driving signal that drives the light-emitting elements, outputs a first alignment signal to one of the first probe pins, and outputs a second alignment signal to another one of the first probe pins.