Laser Cell Mask Separation for Precise OLED Mask Repair

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing manufacturing processes for OLEDs face challenges in efficiently removing defective cell masks during the production of light emitting elements, which affects the quality and consistency of the display panels.

Innovation Solution

A mask repairing apparatus and method using a laser to separate defective cell masks from an opening sheet by emitting a laser beam at the welding portions, allowing for precise removal and replacement with normal cell masks, facilitated by a fixing part and suction part.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If a laser beam is used to separate the cell mask from the opening sheet, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of removing defective cell maskVSAvoidcomplexity of mask repairing apparatus
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical removal methods with a laser-based system. The laser beam is directed to the welding portion between the opening sheet and cell mask to selectively remove the welding, enabling easy separation of defective cell masks without mechanical contact or complex manual procedures.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If the laser beam targets the welding portion for removal, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of cell mask separationVSAvoidenergy consumption of laser beam
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The laser beam is precisely targeted at the welding portion between the opening sheet and cell mask, applying energy only where needed for separation. This localized energy application achieves precise separation without unnecessary energy consumption on surrounding areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 easy and precise removal of defective cell masks, ensuring consistent manufacturing of light emitting elements and improving the quality of OLED display panels.

Implementation Method 1

a laser which emits a laser beam toward a welding portion between an opening sheet disposed on a mask frame and a cell mask disposed on the opening sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

removing the welding portion by emitting the laser beam to the welding portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS12058923B2Mask repairing apparatus and mask repairing method using the same
Publication Date: 2024.08.06 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US12058923B2 patent drawing
  • US12058923B2 patent drawing
  • US12058923B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A mask repairing apparatus includes a laser which emits a laser beam toward a welding portion between an opening sheet disposed on a mask frame and a cell mask disposed on the opening sheet, a fixing part disposed below the opening sheet to fix the opening sheet, and a suction part adjacent to the laser. The cell mask is separated from the opening sheet by the laser beam.