Electromagnet Array for Vapor Deposition Mask Adsorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vapor deposition devices with magnetic devices cannot adjust magnetic field intensity and pole arrangement conveniently, making it difficult to adsorb metal masks of varying precision and specifications without replacing the magnetic device, and they face issues with magnetic hysteresis that can damage the masks during demagnetization.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic device with a control module that adjusts the magnetic field intensity and pole arrangement by controlling the power supply to electromagnets, using direct and alternating currents to adsorb and demagnetize the metal mask, preventing winding and hysteresis effects, and allowing for different current directions and sizes to accommodate various mask specifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If permanent magnets are used in the magnetic device, then the magnetic pole arrangement is fixed and simple in structure, but the magnetic field intensity and pole arrangement cannot be changed conveniently when different metal masks are used

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different metal masksVSAvoidcomplexity of magnetic device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fixed permanent magnets with electromagnets that can dynamically adjust their magnetic pole arrangement and field intensity. The control module enables real-time reconfiguration of magnetic poles to match different metal mask requirements, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying operational conditions without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the magnetic field parameters (intensity and pole arrangement) by controlling the current supplied to electromagnets. The control module adjusts electrical parameters to achieve different magnetic configurations, allowing the same device to handle various metal mask specifications through parameter modulation rather than physical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the distance between the magnetic device and the metal mask is increased to reduce magnetic hysteresis damage, then the magnetic hysteresis effect is reduced, but the adsorption force decreases and may not be sufficient to hold the mask

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic hysteresis damageVSAvoidadsorption force
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic alternating current to the electromagnets during the demagnetization phase, creating a periodic magnetic field that effectively reduces magnetic hysteresis. This periodic action allows the system to maintain strong adsorption force during the deposition process while systematically eliminating residual magnetism afterward, preventing both hysteresis damage and adsorption failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the magnetic field characteristics during different operational phases. During deposition, the magnetic field is optimized for maximum adsorption force; after deposition, the field is transformed through alternating current to reduce hysteresis. This dynamic control allows the system to overcome the trade-off between adsorption force and hysteresis damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If direct current is used to generate magnetic field for adsorption, then the magnetic field is stable and strong for holding the mask, but magnetic hysteresis occurs during demagnetization that can damage the mask

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadsorption forceVSAvoidmagnetic hysteresis damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent switches from direct current to alternating current after the adsorption phase is complete. The alternating current creates a periodically reversing magnetic field that systematically demagnetizes the metal mask, eliminating the hysteresis effect that would otherwise cause damage. This temporal separation of functions (DC for adsorption, AC for demagnetization) resolves the contradiction between maintaining strong adsorption and preventing hysteresis damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous magnetic field control throughout the entire process. The electromagnets remain active during deposition to ensure continuous adsorption, then transition to alternating current mode for continuous demagnetization afterward. This continuous control eliminates the harmful hysteresis effect that would occur with abrupt power interruption, while maintaining the beneficial adsorption force during the critical deposition phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful 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

Enables flexible and precise adsorption of metal masks during vapor deposition and prevents damage from magnetic hysteresis by dynamically controlling the magnetic field, allowing for efficient and precise processing of different mask specifications without the need for device replacement.

Implementation Method 1

the power supply module is configured to supply a direct current to all or some of the plurality of electromagnets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

an electromagnet array including a plurality of electromagnets; each of the electromagnets being inserted in the metal plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 3

the power supply module to repeatedly supply an alternating current to all or some of the plurality of electromagnets until the plurality of electromagnets are demagnetized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 4

They face issues with magnetic hysteresis that can damage the masks during demagnetization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic hysteresis: Magnetic Hysteresis

Data Source

PatentEP3133183B1Magnetic device, evaporation device and evaporation method
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3133183B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a magnetic device and a vapor deposition device. The magnetic device is configured to adsorb a metal mask in the vapor deposition device, including: a metal plate; an electromagnet array including a plurality of electromagnets; each of the electromagnets being inserted in the metal plate; a power supply module configured to supply a current; a control module configured to, when adsorbing the metal mask during a vapor deposition process, control the power supply module to supply a direct current to all or some of the plurality of electromagnets and control a direction and a size of the direct current by sending a first control signal to the power supply module.