Micro LED Transfer via Magnetic Grip and Electroosmotic Flow

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for transferring micro LEDs to display substrates face challenges such as damage from electrostatic charges, adhesive issues, and complexity in manufacturing and maintaining adhesive forces, which hinder efficient and reliable transfer processes.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a micro LED grip body with a porous member and an electroosmotic pump to grip and transfer micro LEDs dropped in a solution, employing suction forces and controlled fluid flow to attract and position the LEDs on the grip surface, thereby avoiding damage and simplifying the transfer process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If an electrostatic head is used to transfer micro LED, then the transfer precision is improved, but the micro LED may be damaged due to electrification caused by voltage applied during induction of static electricity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer precisionVSAvoidelectrification damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrostatic field-based transfer mechanism with a magnetic field-based mechanism. Magnets are embedded in the transfer head to generate magnetic attraction forces that hold and transfer micro LEDs without applying voltage, thereby eliminating electrification damage while maintaining transfer precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnets as an intermediary between the transfer head and micro LEDs. The magnets serve as a mediator that provides holding force through magnetic attraction rather than direct electrostatic contact, preventing damage to the micro LEDs during the transfer process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If an elastic polymer material is used as transfer head, then LED damage from electrification is avoided, but adhesive force must be higher than target substrate and additional electrode formation process is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrification damageVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces adhesive-based mechanical holding with magnetic field-based holding. The magnets in the transfer head provide sufficient holding force without requiring high adhesive forces or additional electrode formation processes, simplifying the overall transfer process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of holding force from adhesive bonding to magnetic attraction. This parameter change eliminates the need for high adhesive forces and additional electrode formation, reducing process complexity while avoiding electrification damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If a roller coated with adhesive is used to transfer micro LED, then continuous transfer is possible, but the micro LED may be damaged when pressed with the roller and continuous adhesive application is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous transfer capabilityVSAvoidmechanical damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical pressure-based adhesive transfer with magnetic field-based transfer. The magnets provide holding force without requiring mechanical pressure from a roller, eliminating mechanical damage to micro LEDs while enabling continuous transfer through the magnetic holding and release mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method enables efficient and reliable transfer of micro LEDs by minimizing damage and eliminating the need for additional adhesive processes, improving the precision and efficiency of micro LED placement on display substrates.

Implementation Method 1

gripping the micro LED with a grip surface where the pores are provided, and the micro LED grip body grips the micro LED with a suction force applied to the pores

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

the electroosmotic pump may generate a flow in which the solution flows into the porous member, thereby attracting the micro LED to the grip surface of the micro LED grip body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroosmosis: Electro-Osmosis

Data Source

PatentUS11337347B2System for transferring micro LED

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 POINT ENG

AI summary

A system for transferring a micro LED includes a micro LED dropped into a solution. The system further includes a micro LED grip body immersed in the solution, the micro LED grip body including a porous member having pores, and gripping the micro LED with a grip surface where the pores are provided. An upper surface of the porous member is configured with a seating recess having a guide inclined portion on which the micro LED is mounted and a shielding portion provided around the seating recess.