Plate Stack Separation Using Laser and Mechanical Splitting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for separating a stack of plates, such as glass substrates, are inefficient and lack a comprehensive approach that combines laser radiation and mechanical separation for effective plate disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A separating device and method that utilizes a laser device to separate a first plate using laser radiation and a mechanical device to separate a second plate, with a treatment device creating separation regions to facilitate the mechanical separation, and a carrier to position the plate stack for precise separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If only laser radiation is used for separating plates, then separation precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to slow processing speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation precisionVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The separation process is segmented into two distinct methods: laser radiation for the first plate (prioritizing precision) and mechanical separation for subsequent plates (prioritizing speed). This segmentation allows each method to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between precision and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separating device dynamically switches between laser radiation and mechanical separation methods based on which plate is being processed. The system adapts the separation method according to the processing sequence, using laser for the first plate and mechanical means for subsequent plates to optimize overall efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If only mechanical separation is used, then processing speed is improved, but separation precision and surface quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidseparation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The process segments the treatment of different plates differently: the first plate receives laser radiation for high precision, while subsequent plates use mechanical separation for speed. This segmentation ensures that precision-critical operations get precision methods while routine operations use efficient methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different separation methods are applied to different plates based on their specific requirements. The first plate (which may have bonding layers or require high precision) receives laser treatment, while subsequent plates receive mechanical separation, optimizing the quality-speed trade-off for each local case

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If laser radiation is used for all plates, then separation precision is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The energy-intensive laser radiation method is segmented to be used only for the first plate where precision is most critical, while mechanical separation (lower energy consumption) is used for subsequent plates. This segmentation optimizes the balance between precision requirements and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The separation method parameter changes between plates: laser radiation parameters are applied to the first plate, then switched to mechanical separation parameters for subsequent plates. This parameter change optimizes energy usage by applying high-energy methods only where necessary

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Efficiently separates a stack of plates by combining laser and mechanical methods, creating distinct separation surfaces on each plate part, enhancing the separation process's effectiveness and precision.

Implementation Method 1

The laser device (152) is configured to separate the first plate (102) by means of laser radiation (104)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser radiation: Laser

Implementation Method 2

DE 10 2016 213 802 A1 discloses a method and a device for separating a material along a predetermined separating contour by means of laser radiation, wherein damage points along the separating contours are introduced into the interior of the material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentEP3938325B1Separating device
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 4JET MICROTECH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3938325B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3938325B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a separating device (150) for separating a sheet stack which has a first sheet (102) and a second sheet (103). The separating device (150) comprises a laser device (152) designed for separation of the first sheet (102) by means of laser radiation, and a mechanical device designed for mechanical separation of the second sheet (103). The invention further relates to a sheet stack and/or a sub-stack of a sheet stack (100).