Non-Contact Probe Signal Loading via Capacitive Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing contact probe signal loading devices in TFT-LCD manufacturing risk scratching or cracking the TFT glass, are prone to damage during transport, and require manual adjustments in a high vacuum environment due to contact-based signal loading, leading to inefficiencies and increased defect rates.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact probe signal loading device utilizing a signal transmitting capacitor with a probe metal sheet and a probe holder, driven by a servo motor and displacement sensors to maintain a controlled distance, allowing for automatic signal transmission without direct contact, and featuring a retractable design to prevent damage during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a contact probe signal loading device is used, then signal loading can be achieved, but the TFT glass may be scratched or cracked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal loading reliabilityVSAvoidscratching or cracking of TFT glass

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a capacitor as an intermediary component between the probe and the TFT glass. The capacitor consists of a probe electrode and a target electrode that do not directly contact the TFT glass, instead transmitting signals through capacitive coupling. This mediator enables signal loading while preventing direct mechanical contact that would cause scratching or cracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical contact-based signal loading system with a non-contact capacitive coupling system. By substituting direct mechanical contact with electric field-based capacitive coupling, the system achieves signal transmission without physical contact, thereby eliminating mechanical damage to the TFT glass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a contact probe is used for signal loading, then signal transmission is achieved, but the probe is prone to damage during transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidprobe durability during transport

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitor structure serves as a protective intermediary, allowing the probe electrode to be positioned close to the TFT glass without direct contact. This configuration protects the probe from mechanical damage during transport while maintaining effective signal transmission capability through capacitive coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If contact-based signal loading is used, then signal loading function is achieved, but manual adjustments are required in high vacuum environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal loading operationVSAvoidautomatic adjustments capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with an automated capacitive coupling system. The non-contact nature of the capacitor allows for automatic positioning and signal loading without requiring manual intervention inside the high vacuum environment, thereby improving automation extent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a non-contact probe design is used, then direct contact damage is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage to TFT glassVSAvoidprobe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe system is segmented into distinct functional components: the probe electrode, the capacitor structure, and the support mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, managing complexity while achieving the non-contact damage prevention function.

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

Ensures accurate and reliable signal loading without scratching the TFT glass, reduces damage during transport, and allows for automatic adjustments within the high vacuum environment, eliminating the need for manual intervention and minimizing defect rates.

Implementation Method 1

a signal transmitting capacitor is formed between the probe metal sheet and the signal inputting metal sheet, and the signal transmitting capacitor functions as a medium to transmit a loaded signal to the signal inputting metal sheet from the probe metal sheet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10209295B2Non-contact probe signal loading device

Publication Date: 2019.02.19 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

A non-contact probe signal loading device is disclosed. The non-contact probe signal loading device includes a probe metal sheet electrically connected to a signal loading terminal, a lower surface of the probe metal sheet facing towards a signal inputting metal sheet into which a signal is to be loaded. A signal transmitting capacitor is formed between the probe metal sheet and the signal inputting metal sheet, and the signal transmitting capacitor functions as a medium to transmit a loaded signal to the signal inputting metal sheet from the probe metal sheet.