Flexible Printed Wiring Exposure Layout to Prevent Step Formation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing flexible printed wiring boards result in angular portions and rapid line width changes due to misalignment of photomask regions, leading to potential damage and stress concentration when the substrate is bent.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of two photomasks with tapered tips and specific alignment criteria to ensure overlapping exposure regions, adhering to the formula Δx < A < Δx + D - 2*Δy*cos(θ*sin(θ)), preventing edge protrusions and ensuring continuous wiring patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the photomask is shifted in the longitudinal direction during exposure, then the wiring pattern can be formed, but the front end of the light-transmitting region sticks out of the rear end, causing angular portions and steps to form

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring pattern formationVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-designing the light-transmitting portion with a tapered shape before exposure. The tapered configuration is built into the photomask structure in advance, so that when the photomask is shifted during exposure, the tapered edges naturally guide the photoresist exposure boundaries, preventing the formation of angular portions and steps without requiring additional alignment adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the light-transmitting portion by transitioning from a rectangular shape to a tapered shape. This parameter change modifies the exposure boundaries dynamically during the shifting process, allowing the front end to smoothly transition into the rear end region while maintaining precise wiring pattern formation and preventing step formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the front end of the light-transmitting region sticks out of the rear end, then the exposure process can be completed, but steps are formed on the wiring side causing stress concentration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexposure process completionVSAvoidwiring durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tapered shape is pre-designed into the light-transmitting portion to prevent step formation before the exposure process begins. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that even when the photomask is shifted, the exposure boundaries will naturally follow the tapered edges, creating smooth transitions in the wiring pattern that eliminate stress concentration points and enhance wiring durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies curvature by using a tapered shape with sloped edges instead of sharp angular corners. The tapered configuration creates a gradual, curved transition between the front and rear ends of the light-transmitting region, which prevents the formation of angular portions and steps on the wiring side, thereby reducing stress concentration and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Productivity

If steps are formed on the wiring side, then the exposure can proceed, but stress concentrates on the steps causing potential damage when bent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexposure process flowVSAvoidwiring strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The tapered light-transmitting portion is prepared in advance to prevent step formation before exposure. This preliminary geometric design ensures that the wiring pattern will have smooth transitions without sharp corners or steps, eliminating stress concentration points that would otherwise cause damage when the substrate is bent, thereby maintaining wiring strength throughout the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs curvature through the tapered shape design, which replaces sharp angular transitions with smooth sloped edges. This curved geometry prevents stress concentration at angular portions and steps, allowing the exposure process to proceed while maintaining wiring strength and preventing potential damage during bending operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Prevents the formation of steps in the wiring, maintaining continuous patterns and reducing stress concentration, thereby enhancing the flexibility and durability of the printed wiring board.

Implementation Method 1

a second step of arranging a first photomask including a first light-transmitting portion so that the first light-transmitting portion faces the first region to expose the photoresist through the first light-transmitting portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotography: Photography

Data Source

PatentUS12563669B2Method for producing flexible printed wiring board
Publication Date: 2026.02.24 FUJIKURA PRINTED CIRCUITS LTD
  • US12563669B2 patent drawing
  • US12563669B2 patent drawing
  • US12563669B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for producing a flexible printed wiring board using a photoresist includes placing the photoresist, including a first region and a second region, on a substrate, placing a first photomask including a first light-transmitting portion such that the first light-transmitting portion faces the first region to expose the photoresist through the first light-transmitting portion, and placing a second photomask including a second light-transmitting portion such that the second light-transmitting portion faces the second region to expose the photoresist through the second light-transmitting portion. The first region is adjacent to the second region such that an edge portion of the first region overlaps an edge portion of the second region. The first light-transmitting portion has a linear shape including a first tip having a tapered shape.