Mask Assembly Structure for Deformation-Resistant Deposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mask assemblies experience deformation in pattern arrangement structures during the deposition process, leading to non-uniform deposition and reduced manufacturing margins in display devices.

Innovation Solution

A mask assembly design featuring a support frame with intersecting vertical and horizontal auxiliary sticks, where the horizontal auxiliary sticks are offset and welded to different vertical sticks, and include concave portions to prevent deformation, ensuring precise pattern formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a mask containing multiple patterns is used to deposit a pattern of desired shape through a single mask, then productivity is improved, but deformation occurs in the mask pattern arrangement structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeposition efficiencyVSAvoidmask pattern arrangement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mask assembly is divided into multiple independent mask patterns (first mask pattern and second mask pattern) that can be separately defined and positioned. Each mask pattern is formed by specific vertical sticks and horizontal auxiliary sticks, allowing independent control of each pattern's geometry while maintaining overall structural integrity through the support frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the mask assembly are designed with different characteristics. The first region contains the first mask pattern with specific vertical and horizontal auxiliary sticks, while the second region contains the second mask pattern with different stick configurations. This local differentiation allows each pattern to be optimized for its specific deposition requirements while preventing uniform deformation across the entire mask.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If multiple mask patterns are arranged on a single mask, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but deformation leads to non-uniform deposition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoiddeposition uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mask assembly segments multiple mask patterns into distinct regions with independent structural support. The first mask pattern and second mask pattern are separated by spatial arrangement and defined by different sets of vertical sticks and horizontal auxiliary sticks, allowing each pattern to maintain its own geometric integrity during deposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support frame acts as an intermediary structure that provides mechanical support to multiple mask patterns simultaneously. The vertical sticks and horizontal auxiliary sticks serve as mediators between the mask patterns and the support frame, distributing mechanical stresses and preventing deformation that would lead to non-uniform deposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If mask patterns are densely arranged to improve productivity, then manufacturing margins are reduced due to deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepattern densityVSAvoidpattern definition precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mask assembly uses segmented vertical sticks and horizontal auxiliary sticks to define discrete mask patterns. Each pattern is bounded by specific stick combinations, creating clear geometric definitions that maintain precision even when patterns are densely arranged. The segmentation allows for precise control of each pattern's boundaries and dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each region of the mask assembly is optimized with locally appropriate stick configurations. The first region and second region have different vertical stick and horizontal auxiliary stick arrangements tailored to their specific pattern requirements, ensuring that each pattern maintains its manufacturing precision regardless of the density of surrounding patterns.

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

The design reduces deformation in the mask pattern arrangement, improving manufacturing margins and preventing non-uniform deposition, thereby enhancing the precision of the deposition process.

Implementation Method 1

at least one end portion of the at least two first horizontal auxiliary sticks and at least one end portion of the at least two second horizontal auxiliary sticks may be welded to the vertical stick

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Data Source

PatentUS20250387796A1Mask assembly
Publication Date: 2025.12.25 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US20250387796A1 patent drawing
  • US20250387796A1 patent drawing
  • US20250387796A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A mask assembly includes a support frame, at least two vertical sticks positioned on the support frame and extending in a first direction, at least two first horizontal auxiliary sticks positioned on the support frame and in contact with at least one side of the support frame, extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and intersecting the at least two vertical sticks in plan view, and at least two second horizontal auxiliary sticks are positioned on the support frame and in contact with at least one side of the support frame, extend in the second direction, and intersect the at least two vertical sticks in plan view. The at least two first horizontal auxiliary sticks and the at least two second horizontal auxiliary sticks contact different sides of the support frame.