Bond Test Jaw Closing Force Control via Flexure Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bond test apparatuses lack precise control over the closing force of test tool jaws and provide limited feedback on the force applied during bond testing, especially for small bonds, due to the use of pneumatic actuators or complex and expensive motor-driven systems.
Innovation Solution
A bond test apparatus with a test tool assembly featuring a pair of opposing jaws biased open, a flexure, and a drive mechanism that applies a drive force to close the jaws, accompanied by a displacement sensor to measure the displacement of the flexure, allowing the processor to calculate the force applied using the known stiffness of the flexure, thereby providing accurate and controlled force measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain gauges are mounted on flexures to measure force, then force measurement capability is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical strain gauge measurement system with an optical interferometry system. The optical system uses light interference patterns to detect displacement of the flexure, which is then converted to force measurements. This substitution eliminates the need for mounting strain gauges on the flexure, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
2Ease of operation
If pneumatic actuators are used to control jaw closing force, then jaw closing function is achieved, but control precision and feedback capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic actuator system with an electromagnetic motor-driven system. The motor provides precise control of the jaw closing force through electrical signal regulation, and the optical measurement system provides real-time feedback on the actual force applied. This substitution enables both easier operation and precise measurement of closing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical interferometry system continuously measures the displacement of the flexure during jaw closing, converts this to force information, and feeds it back to the control system. This allows real-time adjustment of the closing force to achieve the desired precision and consistency.
3Ease of operation
If motor-driven systems with strain gauges are used to control closing force, then control capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the combination of motor-driven system and strain gauges with a motor-driven system coupled with optical interferometry. The optical system measures flexure displacement without requiring physical contact or additional mechanical components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise force control capability.
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 enables precise control and measurement of the closing force applied to bond test tool jaws, improving the consistency and accuracy of bond strength testing, especially for small bonds, by using a displacement sensor to calculate the force without direct force measurement, reducing creep and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
accompanied by a displacement sensor to measure the displacement of the flexure, allowing the processor to calculate the force applied using the known stiffness of the flexure
Implementation Method 2
a flexure, and a drive mechanism that applies a drive force to close the jaws, accompanied by a displacement sensor to measure the displacement of the flexure
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
A bond test apparatus (200) comprises a test tool assembly comprising a test tool (40) configured to contact a bond (101) during a bond test, a flexure (80) coupled to the test tool assembly, and a sensor. The sensor is configured to provide a measurement of a displacement of a first end of the flexure (80) relative to a second end of the flexure on application of a force to the flexure, and a processor is configured to receive a displacement signal from the sensor and, based on the displacement signal and optionally a known stiffness of the flexure, to determine the force on the flexure. A cartridge for a bond test apparatus, a method of measuring a force in a bond test apparatus, and a method of measuring the closing force on the jaws (50) of a bond test tool are also provided.