Micro-LED Transfer Using FSA and Solvent Vapor Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for manufacturing micro LED displays, particularly large-size displays, face challenges in productivity and economic feasibility due to the complexity and inefficiency of the pick-and-place method used for transferring micro LEDs.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a roll-to-roll, step and repeat, or laser scanning process to manufacture large-size micro LED displays, utilizing a fluidic self-assembly (FSA) process to transfer micro LEDs onto a driving substrate, with the aid of a penetrating solvent or a laser active blister layer for precise alignment and transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If pick-and-place method is used to transfer micro LEDs, then positioning precision is achieved, but productivity is poor and manufacturing cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pick-and-place transfer method with a fluidic self-assembly (FSA) process. Micro LEDs are transferred using fluid flow and capillary forces rather than mechanical grippers and placement mechanisms. This substitution enables parallel transfer of multiple micro LEDs simultaneously, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining positioning precision through the structured fluidic environment and capillary wells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs hydraulic principles in the FSA process where a liquid carrier fluid transports micro LEDs to the target substrate. The fluid flow dynamics and capillary pressure in the wells enable precise positioning and transfer of micro LEDs without mechanical contact, achieving both high productivity and positioning accuracy through fluid-based manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Manufacturing precision

If pick-and-place method is used to transfer micro LEDs, then positioning precision is achieved, but manufacturing cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive mechanical pick-and-place equipment with a simpler fluidic self-assembly system. The FSA process uses basic fluid handling equipment and capillary structures instead of complex robotic manipulators, significantly reducing manufacturing equipment costs while maintaining positioning precision through the self-organizing fluidic environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service through the self-assembly nature of the FSA process. Micro LEDs automatically position themselves in the capillary wells driven by fluid flow and surface tension forces without requiring complex control systems or expensive positioning equipment. This self-organizing behavior reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while achieving precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If conventional transfer method is used, then micro LED transfer is achieved, but transfer efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer efficiencyVSAvoidtransfer time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple transfer operations into a single parallel FSA process. Instead of transferring micro LEDs one by one or in small batches, the fluidic system simultaneously transports and positions multiple micro LEDs across the substrate in one operation. This merging of transfer operations dramatically increases transfer efficiency and reduces total manufacturing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves continuous transfer action through the flowing fluid carrier that continuously transports micro LEDs from the source to the target substrate. The fluid flow maintains constant motion and transfer capability throughout the process, eliminating idle time between transfers and enabling sustained high-speed manufacturing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 enhances the productivity and economic feasibility of manufacturing large-size micro LED displays by improving the efficiency of micro LED transfer and alignment, allowing for faster production speeds and larger display areas without the need for tiling.

Implementation Method 1

a third operation of injecting a penetrating solvent between the interposer and the driving substrate, such that the penetrating solvent penetrates between the plurality of micro LEDs and the plurality of wells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

a fourth operation of transferring the plurality of micro LEDs to the driving substrate by radiating light to the interposer to vaporize the penetrating solvent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

a fourth operation of transferring the plurality of micro LEDs to the driving substrate by radiating light to the interposer to vaporize the penetrating solvent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250048783A1Method of manufacturing micro-led display
Publication Date: 2025.02.06 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20250048783A1 patent drawing
  • US20250048783A1 patent drawing
  • US20250048783A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a method of manufacturing a display, the method including a first operation of transferring a plurality of micro light emitting diodes (LEDs) to a plurality of wells of an interposer through a fluidic self assembly (FSA) process, a second operation of aligning a driving substrate on the interposer, a third operation of injecting a penetrating solvent between the interposer and the driving substrate, such that the penetrating solvent penetrates between the plurality of micro LEDs and the plurality of wells, and a fourth operation of transferring the plurality of micro LEDs to the driving substrate by radiating light to the interposer to vaporize the penetrating solvent.