Modular Window Plates for Large Curing Apparatuses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fabricating a large-area curing apparatus for display devices is challenging due to the difficulty in producing and processing large-size, plate-like window plates, which increases material and processing costs and complicates thickness compensation, hindering the expansion of equipment sizes.
Innovation Solution
A curing apparatus design featuring a cassette with lamps and separately configured window plates that correspond to lamp accommodating portions, optimizing the size and shape of these components to enhance heat radiation efficiency and uniformity, allowing for a multi-cassette structure that can accommodate larger equipment sizes without the constraints of conventional window plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large-size, plate-like window plate is used to increase the curing apparatus area, then the equipment size is improved, but the manufacturing cost and processing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the window plate into multiple smaller modular units that can be independently fabricated and then assembled together to form a large-area window structure. This segmentation allows each small module to be easily manufactured without the difficulties associated with fabricating a single large plate, while the combined modules achieve the required large coverage area for the curing apparatus.
2Area of stationary object
If a large-size, plate-like window plate is used to increase the curing apparatus area, then the equipment size is improved, but the material and processing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the window plate into multiple small modular units, the patent enables standardization of manufacturing processes for each module. This allows for economies of scale, reduced material waste, and lower processing costs compared to fabricating a single large plate, while still achieving the required large total area through assembly of multiple affordable modules.
3Area of stationary object
If a large-size, plate-like window plate is used to increase the curing apparatus area, then the equipment size is improved, but the thickness compensation and structural design become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the window plate into multiple small modular units, each with manageable dimensions that simplify thickness compensation and structural design. Each module can be independently designed with appropriate thickness and support structures, avoiding the complex deflection and stress distribution problems that arise in large-size plates. The modular assembly maintains overall structural integrity while reducing individual component complexity.
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
The solution enables cost reduction, ease of manufacture, and improved radiation efficiency and uniformity, enabling the production of larger-scale curing apparatuses with reduced defect generation and smear formation, while allowing for flexible configuration in multi-cassette structures.
Implementation Method 1
Each cassette has a lamp configured therein which allows the temperature in the cassette to increase from ambient temperature to high temperature
Implementation Method 2
The window plate performs a variety of functions including isolating a process zone where the target substrates are located and a lamp zone
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a curing apparatus comprising: a cassette; lamps configured in the cassette; a lamp housing having lamp accommodating portions disposed within the cassette to accommodate the lamps; and window plates separately configured so as to correspond to the positions of the lamp accommodating portions.