Micro-assembler Backplane With Independent Trap Locations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional micro-assembler designs face challenges in efficiently maintaining the position and orientation of micro-objects once they are placed, especially when dealing with larger surfaces, as they require complex light pattern sequences and limited flexibility in moving the micro-assembler surface between processing stations.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a micro-assembler backplane arrangement with control electrodes and trap locations separate from the electrodes, allowing for independent holding of micro-objects without continuous activation of the control electrodes. This design includes a micro-object location sensor and an electrode controller to manage the placement and retention of micro-objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If continuous light pattern projection is used to hold micro-objects in place, then the position and orientation of micro-objects are maintained, but the apparatus complexity increases and flexibility to move the micro-assembler surface between processing stations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition and orientation maintenance of micro-objectsVSAvoidlight pattern sequence complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backplane is segmented into two distinct functional components: control electrodes for manipulating micro-objects and separate trap locations for holding them. This segmentation allows the control electrodes to be turned off after placement, simplifying the system while maintaining reliability through the dedicated trap structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding function is extracted from the control electrodes and implemented through separate trap locations. This extraction allows the control electrodes to perform only their manipulation function temporarily, then be deactivated, reducing the complexity of continuous light pattern projection while maintaining reliable holding through the extracted trap mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Manufacturing precision

If control electrodes are continuously activated to maintain micro-objects, then positioning accuracy is preserved, but energy consumption increases and movement flexibility between stations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracy of micro-objectsVSAvoidenergy consumption of control electrodes

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The trap locations are pre-configured with holding capability independent of the control electrodes. This preliminary action allows the control electrodes to perform their positioning function briefly, then be deactivated, significantly reducing energy consumption while the pre-configured traps maintain positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the micro-assembler backplane is designed with integrated electrode-only structure, then the manipulation functionality is sufficient, but the flexibility to move between processing stations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanipulation functionalityVSAvoidmovement flexibility between processing stations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The backplane structure is segmented into control electrodes for manipulation and separate trap locations for holding. This segmentation enables the system to perform manipulation functions when needed, then transition to a low-power holding state that is easier to move between processing stations, improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution enables more efficient and flexible micro-assembler operations by allowing micro-objects to be held in place without continuous light pattern projection, simplifying the apparatus and enabling easier movement of the micro-assembler backplane between processing stations while maintaining the position and orientation of placed micro-objects.

Implementation Method 1

produce an arrangement of time varying electrostatic field across the electrode array that are able to cause micro-objects to move

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

electrophoretic or dielectrophoretic force induced by electrostatic fields

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectrophoretic force: Electrophoresis

Implementation Method 3

The at least one trap location is configured to hold, independently of activation of the controlled electrodes, at least one micro-object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS20250187909A1Micro-assembler system with micro-object trap locations

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 GENESEE VALLEY INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

What is disclosed is a micro-assembler backplane that has a backplane having a first surface and a number of controlled electrodes, wherein each is selectively activatable to manipulate micro-objects on the backplane. The micro-assembler backplane also has at least one trap location that is separate from the controlled electrodes. The at least one trap location is configured to hold, independently of activation of the controlled electrodes, at least one micro-object that is manipulated into a trap location.