Clamping Frame Segmentation for PCB Transport Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping solutions for thin sheet substrates, such as printed circuit boards, face challenges in maintaining stability during wet-chemical processes due to low weight and surface sensitivity, often resulting in damage or improper handling.
Innovation Solution
A clamping frame with multiple clamping means, each comprising a first and second clamp member, a swivel joint, and an elastic element, which provides a secure clamping force through a non-positive connection, allowing for adjustable configuration and easy assembly, and is adaptable to various substrate sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If substrates are held by a holder and transported through a treatment device, then surface damage is avoided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping frame is divided into multiple independent clamping means (at least three), each consisting of separate first and second clamp members that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the complex holding function to be achieved through simple, modular components rather than a single complex holder structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp members are designed with elastic elements that provide dynamic clamping force, allowing the clamping mechanism to adapt to different substrate thicknesses and weights. The elastic elements enable automatic adjustment of clamping pressure without requiring complex control systems.
2Reliability
If multiple clamping means are used to secure thin substrates, then handling reliability improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping frame uses multiple independent clamping means instead of a single complex mechanism. Each clamping means is a simple, standardized assembly that can be manufactured independently and assembled into the frame, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while improving reliability through redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping means are designed as universal, interchangeable components that can be used in different positions and configurations within the clamping frame. This standardization allows for economies of scale in manufacturing while providing reliable handling for various substrate types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the clamping frame is designed with adjustable configuration, then adaptability to various substrate sizes improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping frame is constructed from multiple independent, adjustable clamping means that can be individually positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the frame to adapt to different substrate sizes through simple repositioning of modular components rather than requiring a completely reconfigurable complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic elements in each clamping means provide dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the clamps to automatically adapt to different substrate thicknesses and weights. This passive adaptability reduces the need for complex active control mechanisms while maintaining 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
The solution ensures reliable handling and transport of substrates with reduced manufacturing costs and component count, while minimizing the risk of damage and improving handling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member tenses the clamping portion of the first clamping member against the second clamping member clamping gaps. For this purpose, the elastic element can exert a corresponding biasing force directly on the clamping portion or alternatively on the operating portion of the first clamp member.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping frame for a transport device for transporting thin planar substrates, in particular printed circuit boards. The clamping frame according to the invention enables functionally reliable handling of substrates (6) and a reduction of the production costs and simplified assembly because of the reduction in the number of components. The clamping frame has at least one clamping strip (3), which has at least one clamping holding means (2). The clamping holding means is composed of a first clamping element (8) and a second clamping element (9), the second clamping element being arranged on the clamping strip of the frame body and lying opposite the first clamping element. The two clamping elements are pivotally connected by means of a pivot joint (12, 13), a clamping gap (7) being formed between the two clamping elements. Furthermore, the clamping holding means has an elastic element (14), which preloads the first clamping element toward the second clamping element in such a way that the clamping gap is narrowed.