Biaxial Positioning Stage With Metal Support for PCB Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-axis positioning devices suffer from low manufacturing tolerances and stiffness of circuit boards, leading to alignment issues, deformation, and measurement inaccuracies due to the introduction of undesired forces during positioning.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a metallic support element between the base and second positioning elements, allowing for precise manufacturing and alignment, along with integrated circuit boards for components and flexible connections for power and signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a circuit board made of glass fibre mats and epoxy resin is used as the support element, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but manufacturing precision and planarity deteriorate due to low manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a metallic support element (aluminum or steel) with circuit boards. The metallic support element provides the rigid, planar base structure with high manufacturing precision, while the circuit boards are mounted on top to provide electrical functionality. This composite approach allows each material to perform its optimal function - metal for structural precision and circuit board for electrical purposes.
2Ease of manufacture
If a conventional circuit board with common thickness is used, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but stiffness deteriorates leading to deformations under load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional circuit board support with a metallic support element (aluminum or steel) that has significantly higher stiffness and strength-to-weight ratio. This metallic support can be made thinner while maintaining or improving stiffness, reducing deformations under electromagnetic loads while keeping manufacturing costs acceptable.
3Device complexity
If the positioning element is realized as a circuit board, then integration of electronic components is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates due to low manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning element into two separate functional components: a metallic support element for mechanical support and alignment, and a circuit board for electronic component integration. The metallic support element provides the precise mechanical foundation with high alignment precision, while the circuit board is mounted on top to provide electrical functionality without compromising alignment accuracy.
4Speed
If electromagnetic linear motors are used for driving, then positioning speed is improved, but harmful factors increase due to electromagnetic fields penetrating the circuit board and influencing sensor currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a metallic support element as an intermediary between the electromagnetic linear motors and the circuit board with sensor components. This metallic support acts as a magnetic shield that blocks electromagnetic fields from penetrating to the sensors, while still allowing mechanical force transmission for positioning. The intermediary structure thus protects sensitive components from harmful electromagnetic interference.
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 configuration enhances the accuracy and stability of the positioning device by minimizing deformations and improving alignment, while also reducing manufacturing costs and weight.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic linear motors for driving the respective positioning element
Implementation Method 2
the metallic support element...allows...integrated circuit boards for components and flexible connections for power and signal transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A biaxial positioning device is described. The positioning device includes: a stationary base element; a first positioning element movably mounted relative to the base element along a first direction by means of a first guide device; a second positioning element movably mounted relative to the first positioning element along a second direction, which is different to the first direction, by means of a second guide device; a first drive for adjusting the first positioning element along the first direction of movement; and a second drive for adjusting the second positioning element along the second direction of movement. The stationary base element and the second positioning element each have a printed circuit board, and the first positioning element is a metal support element and is disposed between the base element and the second positioning element.