Nanoimprint Transfer Device Using Light-Transmitting Replica Mold
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nanoimprint technologies are limited by the use of metal molds that do not transmit ultraviolet rays, restricting the configuration of molded materials since ultraviolet curing must occur through the substrate, thereby limiting the design possibilities of molded products.
Innovation Solution
A transfer device and method that utilize a first transfer unit to imprint a fine pattern on a light-transmitting replica mold and a second transfer unit to transfer this pattern to a molded material, allowing for increased configuration options by using a light-transmitting material for the replica mold and enabling curing through the mold substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal mold is used for nanoimprint, then the mold can be made with high precision and durability, but ultraviolet rays cannot transmit through the mold substrate, limiting the configuration of molded materials
Solution Approach 1:
The mold system is segmented into two separate components: a metal master mold that provides high precision and durability, and a light-transmitting replica mold that enables UV ray transmission. The replica mold is created by transferring the pattern from the master mold, allowing each component to fulfill its specific function without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The replica mold acts as an intermediary between the metal master mold and the molded material. It receives the fine transfer pattern from the master mold and transmits UV rays to the molded material during curing, thereby mediating between the conflicting requirements of mold durability and material versatility
2Ease of manufacture
If ultraviolet curing is performed through the substrate, then the curing process can be completed, but the substrate material is restricted to light-transmitting materials only
Solution Approach 1:
The replica mold serves as a mediator that transmits UV rays through itself to cure the molded material. This allows the master mold to be made of non-light-transmitting metal while the curing process still occurs through the light-transmitting replica mold, thereby enabling versatile substrate material selection
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using the original metal master mold directly for curing, a copy (replica mold) is created that has the necessary light-transmitting property. This copy preserves the fine transfer pattern from the master mold while adding the UV transmission capability needed for versatile material curing
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 approach expands the design flexibility of molded materials by allowing for the use of non-light-transmitting materials in the mold, enhancing the range of configurations possible for molded products such as optical elements and filters.
Implementation Method 1
a first transfer unit that transfers the fine transfer pattern formed on the master mold to a replica mold made from a material that transmits light
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer device that transfers a fine transfer pattern formed on a master mold to a molded material, includes a first transfer unit that transfers the fine transfer pattern formed on the master mold to a replica mold made from a material that transmits light; and a second transfer unit that transfers a fine transfer pattern formed on the replica mold by the first transfer unit to the molded material.