Ceramic Joined Body Structure to Prevent Electrostatic Chuck Breakdown

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electrostatic chuck devices experience breakdown (discharge) at the joint interface between the composite dielectric ceramic and the internal electrode due to exposed conductive paths, compromising insulation characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A ceramic joined body is constructed with a pair of ceramic plates, a conductive layer, and insulating layers, with specific thickness ratios and materials to prevent breakdown, using a production method involving paste application and pressurization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the joint surfaces of composite dielectric ceramic and internal electrode are joined after polishing, then the joining process is simplified, but exposed conductive paths form at the interface causing breakdown

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoining process simplicityVSAvoidinsulation characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the composite dielectric ceramic and the internal electrode. This insulating layer fills the gaps and prevents direct contact between conductive surfaces, eliminating the formation of conductive paths while maintaining the simplicity of the joining process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating layer is applied specifically at the joint interface where insulation is needed, rather than modifying the entire components. This localized approach prevents breakdown at the critical interface while maintaining the overall structural integrity and manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Power

If conductive material is exposed on the joint interface, then electrical conductivity is improved, but insulation characteristics deteriorate causing discharge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidbreakdown and discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating layer acts as a mediator that separates the conductive materials, allowing each to maintain its electrical properties while preventing harmful interactions. The conductive material maintains its conductivity for power transmission, while the insulating layer prevents discharge by blocking direct contact between conductive surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The joint interface is segmented into distinct functional zones: a conductive region for power transmission and an insulating region for discharge prevention. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve good electrical conductivity where needed while maintaining insulation characteristics to prevent breakdown.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12424475B2Ceramic joined body, electrostatic chuck device, and method for producing ceramic joined body
Publication Date: 2025.09.23 SUMITOMO OSAKA CEMENT CO LTD
  • US12424475B2 patent drawing
  • US12424475B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A ceramic joined body (1) includes: a pair of ceramic plates (2,3) that include a conductive material; a conductive layer (4) and an insulating layer (5) that are interposed between the pair of ceramic plates (2, 3); and a pair of intermediate layers (6, 7) that are interposed between the pair of ceramic plates (2, 3) and the conductive layer (4) and are in contact with the pair of ceramic plates (2, 3) and the conductive layer (4).