Variable Mask With Piezoelectric Actuators for Pattern Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mask assemblies for flat panel displays, such as LCDs and OLEDs, require full replacement when the mask pattern needs to be changed, leading to high replacement costs and inefficiencies in correcting alignment errors.
Innovation Solution
A variable mask design featuring a mask frame with support and movable bars, and piezoelectric actuators that allow for adjustable mask holes, enabling the mask pattern to be modified in size and shape without replacing the entire assembly, using piezoelectric elements to move the bars and adjust the mask holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire mask assembly is replaced to change the mask pattern shape, then the mask pattern can be changed, but excessive replacement costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The mask assembly is divided into a fixed mask frame and movable bars that can be independently adjusted. The movable bars are segmented into multiple sections that can be repositioned relative to each other, allowing pattern shape changes without replacing the entire mask assembly. This segmentation enables cost-effective adaptation by modifying only the necessary components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask structure incorporates movable bars that can dynamically change position along the mask frame, transforming the static mask into a dynamic system. The bars can be adjusted to create different pattern shapes on demand, eliminating the need for multiple fixed masks and reducing replacement costs while maintaining versatility.
2Manufacturing precision
If the mask assembly is replaced to correct alignment errors, then alignment accuracy can be improved, but time and costs are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The mask frame is designed with pre-positioned support structures and guide mechanisms that enable quick adjustment of the movable bars. Alignment corrections can be made by simply repositioning the movable bars along the pre-prepared guide paths, eliminating the need for time-consuming complete mask replacements while maintaining high alignment precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple masks are used for different shapes, then shape versatility is achieved, but device complexity and replacement frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single mask assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating movable bars that can be repositioned to create different pattern shapes. The universal mask frame structure supports various bar configurations, allowing one mask to replace multiple specialized masks, thereby reducing device complexity and replacement frequency while maintaining shape versatility.
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 solution allows for cost-effective pattern adjustments and error corrections in mask alignment, enabling the use of a single mask for various shapes and reducing the need for multiple masks, thereby lowering replacement costs and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of actuators installed between the plurality of movable bars and the corresponding support bars and configured to move the movable bars relative to the plurality of support bars
Data Source
AI summary
A mask comprises a mask frame defining an opening; a plurality of support bars installed in the opening of the mask frame; a plurality of movable bars, each of which is installed over a corresponding one of the plurality of support bars and movable relative to the corresponding support bar, wherein the plurality of support bars and the plurality of movable bars are arranged to divide the opening into a plurality of mask holes; and a plurality of actuators installed between the plurality of movable bars and the corresponding support bars and configured to move the movable bars relative to the plurality of support bars.