Dual-Sided Holding Device for Simultaneous Galvanic Coating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding devices for galvanically treating planar products, such as wafers or printed circuit boards, often require sequential coating of both sides, which is inefficient and lacks automation, and there is a need for devices that can simultaneously coat both sides while maintaining a sealed environment to prevent fluid penetration.

Innovation Solution

A holding device comprising a first and second holding part with electrical contact elements for both sides of the product, which can be fastened together in a detachable manner to hold the product securely and maintain a seal, allowing for simultaneous galvanic treatment of both sides, with options for mechanical, vacuum, or magnetic locking mechanisms to secure the parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If sequential coating is used for both sides of the product, then the treatment process is simpler to implement, but the productivity is reduced due to longer processing time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoating speedVSAvoidholding device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is divided into a first holding part and a second holding part that can be detached from each other. Each holding part has electrical contact elements for contacting one side of the product. This segmentation allows the product to be treated on both sides simultaneously by placing it between the two holding parts, thereby improving productivity while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If both sides of the product are contacted simultaneously, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to risk of fluid penetration into electrical contact elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous coating capabilityVSAvoidelectrical contact protection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding parts are designed with detachable connection that allows them to be separated from each other. This dimensional change in the structure enables the electrical contact elements to be positioned in a way that they contact the product sides simultaneously while being protected from fluid penetration through the detachable connection design that allows proper sealing and positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the holding device is made detachable for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability worsens due to potential misalignment or loose connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening and releasingVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detachable connection between the first and second holding parts is designed to provide both ease of operation and reliable connection. The mechanical design allows for simple fastening and releasing operations while maintaining stable connection during the galvanic treatment process, balancing ease of operation with connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables efficient and automated simultaneous coating of both sides of the product, preventing fluid penetration and allowing for precise control of contact force, improving the efficiency and reliability of the galvanic treatment process.

Implementation Method 1

Metal is deposited on the product in a galvanic manner by virtue of applying a voltage between the anodes and the product

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGalvanic coating: Electrodeposition

Implementation Method 2

at least one vacuum line for the purpose of creating a vacuum between the holding parts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP2904133B1Holding device for a product and treatment method
Publication Date: 2018.02.21 ATOTECH DEUT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2904133B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2904133B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2904133B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A holding device for a treatment of a product (5), which holding device comprises a first holding part (41) and a second holding part (42). The first holding part (41) comprises at least one first electrical contact element (13) for establishing a contact with a first side (6) of the product (5). The second holding part (42) comprises at least one second electrical contact element (14) for establishing a contact with a second side (7) of the product (5), which second side lies opposite the first side (6). The first holding part (41) and the second holding part (42) are arranged in such a way that they can be fastened to one another in a detachable manner for the purpose of holding the product (5). A product seal (15, 16) and a housing seal (17) provide a sealing arrangement to prevent the penetration of fluid into the at least one first electrical contact element (13) and the at least one second electrical contact element (14) in a treatment state.