Micro-LED Reflective Layer Layout for Transfer Misalignment Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

During the transfer process of small light emitting diodes (LEDs) to a TFT substrate in display devices, misalignment issues occur, leading to defects and increased process time due to the difficulty in detecting alignment errors early enough.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a reflective functional layer with a central area overlapping the LED, an outer area with graduations smaller than the LED dimensions, and a peripheral area to facilitate the detection of misalignment by reflecting light emitted from the LED, allowing for early detection of position errors and reducing contact defects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If light emitting diodes are transferred at once in batch process, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer process efficiencyVSAvoidLED alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing alignment marks and reference patterns on the substrate before transferring the LEDs. These pre-prepared markers enable operators to check and adjust alignment before the actual transfer, ensuring precision even when transferring multiple LEDs in batch. The alignment marks serve as preliminary guides that prevent misalignment issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If alignment detection is performed after transfer completion, then manufacturing precision can be verified, but loss of time increases due to delayed defect detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracy verificationVSAvoiddefect detection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by incorporating visible alignment marks and reference patterns that provide immediate visual feedback during the transfer process. Operators can observe the alignment status in real-time through microscopy or visual inspection of the markers, allowing for immediate correction rather than waiting until the end of the transfer process. This continuous feedback mechanism reduces both time loss and improves precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If multiple transfer processes are performed to complete the display panel, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to cumulative alignment errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer process throughputVSAvoidcumulative alignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the alignment verification process into discrete checkpoints using specific reference patterns and markers for each transfer batch. Instead of one comprehensive check at the end, the alignment is segmented into multiple verification stages, each with its own reference markers. This allows precision to be maintained across multiple transfer operations by verifying and correcting alignment at each segment rather than allowing errors to accumulate.

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

Enables efficient detection of LED misalignment during the transfer process, reducing defects and process time by visually checking the position and degree of misalignment, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of the transfer process.

Implementation Method 1

a reflective functional layer positioned to overlap an upper portion or a lower portion of the LED element... to facilitate the detection of misalignment by reflecting light emitted from the LED

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12148864B2Display device
Publication Date: 2024.11.19 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US12148864B2 patent drawing
  • US12148864B2 patent drawing
  • US12148864B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display device includes a light emitting diode LED element having a horizontal length in an X-axis direction and a vertical length in a Y-axis direction, a driving element connected to the LED element, and a reflective functional layer positioned to overlap an upper portion or a lower portion of the LED element, wherein the reflective functional layer includes a central area overlapping the LED element, an outer area including a graduation smaller than the horizontal length or the vertical length of the LED element, and a peripheral area between the central area and the outer area. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a contact defect of the light emitting diode and the driving element by checking a position where the light emitting diode is attached on a substrate and a degree of misalignment.