Micro LED Transfer Equipment with Adjustable Side Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies face challenges in rapidly and efficiently transferring micro LEDs from a wafer to another substrate while maintaining precise alignment and mass productivity, as seen in the semiconductor manufacturing process.

Innovation Solution

The micro device transfer equipment employs a convey platform and transfer device with adjustable side arms to clamp and relocate micro LEDs, utilizing a convey platform to move the wafer and transfer device in coordinated stages to achieve efficient mass transfer of micro LEDs, ensuring accurate positioning and alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional LED arrays are used with millimeter dimensions, then manufacturing is easier, but the resolution and brightness are insufficient for high-quality displays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicro LED size reduction to micrometer dimensionVSAvoidmass transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the micro LED wafer into individual transferable units by using multiple transfer heads that can independently pick up and place micro LEDs. The wafer is divided into multiple columns and rows, with each transfer head responsible for specific columns, enabling parallel processing and maintaining high productivity despite the miniaturization to micrometer dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a new dimension of operation by using multiple transfer heads arranged in parallel, operating simultaneously on different columns of the wafer. This multi-dimensional approach allows mass transfer of micro LEDs at micrometer scale without sacrificing productivity, as multiple transfer operations occur concurrently across different spatial dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If multiple transfer heads are used to increase transfer speed, then productivity improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass transfer speedVSAvoidtransfer device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each transfer head is designed as a universal module capable of performing multiple functions: approaching the wafer, picking up micro LEDs, retracting, and placing devices on the substrate. The transfer heads can operate independently yet cooperatively, with each head handling specific columns of the wafer. This modular universal design increases productivity through parallel operation while managing complexity by standardizing the transfer head structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer device employs dynamic control where transfer heads can independently adjust their positions, approach speeds, and operational timing. The system dynamically coordinates multiple transfer heads to operate in sequence or parallel based on the wafer configuration and transfer requirements, optimizing productivity while managing device complexity through adaptive control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the transfer head approaches the wafer too closely to pick up micro LEDs, then transfer precision improves, but the risk of damaging the micro LEDs increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidmicro LED integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer head performs preliminary actions by approaching the wafer to a predetermined safe distance before actual pickup. The approach path is pre-calculated and controlled to ensure the pickup element only contacts the micro LED at the exact moment of transfer. This preliminary positioning ensures precise alignment while preventing premature contact that could damage the fragile micro LEDs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a pickup element as an intermediary between the transfer head and the micro LED. This intermediary component facilitates the transfer process by making controlled contact with the micro LED for pickup and placement, while the transfer head itself remains at a safe distance. The intermediary pickup element protects the micro LED from direct contact with the main transfer head structure, ensuring both precision and integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3509094B1Micro device transfer equipment and related method
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 ACER INC
  • EP3509094B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3509094B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3509094B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A micro device transfer equipment includes a convey platform and a transfer device. The convey platform is configured to carry a wafer and move the wafer towards a specific direction, wherein a plurality of micro devices are fabricated on the wafer. The transfer device includes a plurality of transfer heads each including a base arm, a first side arm and a second side arm. The first side arm and the second side arm are disposed on the base arm in a movable manner for clamping a corresponding micro device among the plurality of micro devices.