Laser Apparatus for Printed Electronics Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for repairing highly integrated ultra-fine circuit wiring lines in large-area display devices are limited, particularly for next-generation display technologies, as they require separate high-temperature vacuum chambers and laser equipment, making it difficult to efficiently repair internal circuits of LCD and OLED display panels with increased size and narrow bezel designs.
Innovation Solution
A laser apparatus for printed electronic systems that includes a laser generating unit, a laser changing unit to adjust intensity and wavelength, a laser steering unit to direct the beam, and a vision sensor for defect detection, allowing for real-time monitoring and precise repair or sintering of conductive wiring lines using laser sintering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate high-temperature vacuum chambers and laser equipment are used for repairing highly integrated ultra-fine circuit wiring lines, then repair capability is improved, but device complexity and process integration are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser apparatus with the printed electronic system into a single integrated device. The laser generating unit, laser changing unit, laser steering unit, and vision sensor are all integrated within the printed electronic system, eliminating the need for separate vacuum chambers and laser equipment while maintaining full repair capability for highly integrated ultra-fine circuit wiring lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated laser apparatus performs multiple functions within one system: defect detection via vision sensor, laser beam generation and modulation, precise steering and positioning, and repair/sintering of conductive wiring lines. This multi-functional integration replaces multiple separate specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate equipment are used for repair processes, then repair functionality is improved, but ease of operation and maintenance convenience are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all repair functions into a single printed electronic system, the patent simplifies operation and maintenance. Users interact with one unified system rather than coordinating multiple separate devices, and maintenance is concentrated in one location rather than distributed across multiple pieces of equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The vision sensor automatically detects defects in the conductive wiring lines, and the laser apparatus automatically performs repair operations. The system integrates detection, processing, and repair functions that can operate autonomously or with minimal manual intervention, reducing operational complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional repair methods are used for highly integrated ultra-fine patterns, then existing process compatibility is improved, but manufacturing precision and repair accuracy are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical repair methods with laser-based processing. The laser generating unit produces precise laser beams that can be steered and focused to repair highly integrated ultra-fine circuit wiring lines with much higher precision than mechanical techniques, achieving accurate sintering of conductive materials at the micrometer scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser changing unit dynamically adjusts laser beam parameters such as intensity, wavelength, and pulse duration to match the specific requirements of different repair scenarios. This enables precise control over the heating and sintering process for highly integrated ultra-fine patterns while maintaining compatibility with existing printed electronic processes.
4Reliability
If separate equipment is used for laser repair, then functional capability is improved, but productivity and repair time are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the laser apparatus directly into the printed electronic system, the patent eliminates the time required to transfer substrates between separate vacuum chambers and laser equipment. The repair process occurs in-situ within the same system that performs printing and other operations, significantly reducing overall repair time and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system allows continuous operation where printing, inspection, and repair operations can be performed in sequence without interruption or substrate handling between separate devices. The laser repair process follows immediately after defect detection, maintaining continuous productive action throughout the manufacturing flow.
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 direct formation of repair wiring lines on defective areas, enhances repair accuracy, and simplifies the process by integrating the laser apparatus within the printed electronic system, reducing repair time and improving maintenance convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a laser generating unit which oscillates a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
the laser control unit controls the intensity or the magnitude of the wavelength of the laser beam in accordance with a state of a printing pattern formed on the target
Implementation Method 3
forms a conductive repair wiring line by sintering conductive ink using laser sintering
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a laser apparatus for a printed electronic system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention including: a laser generating unit which oscillates a laser beam; a laser changing unit which changes an intensity or a wavelength of the laser beam oscillated from the laser generating unit; a laser control unit which controls the intensity or a magnitude of the wavelength of the laser beam which is changed by the laser changing unit; and a laser steering unit which changes a traveling direction of the laser beam output from the laser changing unit to be directed to a target, and the laser control unit controls the intensity or the magnitude of the wavelength of the laser beam in accordance with a state of a printing pattern formed on the target.