Edge Clamping Thin Sheets Using Segmented Flexure Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Material handling of thin sheets in solar and semiconductor processing is challenging due to their stiffness, flexibility, and flatness, which increases as the material area grows, requiring effective clamping and tensioning solutions to prevent sagging and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a frame with movable clamps and a tensioning mechanism that clamps thin sheets along their edges, using flexures and smart materials to minimize contact and prevent sagging, integrated with robotic manipulators and storage containers for efficient handling and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple clamps are used to secure thin sheets, then the sheets are held firmly and sagging is prevented, but the complexity of the handling system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet holding system is divided into multiple independent clamps distributed along the edges of the sheet. Each clamp operates independently to secure specific portions of the sheet edges, providing stable holding without requiring a complex monolithic clamping mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to achieve reliable sheet fixation while maintaining simplicity through modular, distributed clamp units.
2Reliability
If clamps contact the sheet surface, then the sheet is securely held, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamps are designed to contact only the edge regions of the sheet rather than the main surface area. This localized contact approach provides secure gripping at the edges where structural support is most effective, while minimizing the contact area on the sensitive sheet surfaces. The local quality principle ensures that contamination risk is reduced by limiting clamp interaction to non-critical edge zones only.
3Manufacturing precision
If clamps are positioned at multiple edges, then sheet flatness is maintained, but the number of clamps and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp arrangement utilizes asymmetric positioning where clamps are strategically placed at specific edges rather than uniformly distributed. The system employs different clamp configurations for different edges based on the sheet's structural characteristics and support requirements. This asymmetric approach maintains sheet flatness by providing support at critical locations without requiring an equally complex symmetric arrangement across all edges.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus has a frame and a plurality of clamps connected to the frame. At least one of the clamps is movable to releasably clamp a sheet of material on the apparatus. The plurality of clamps are configured and located on the frame to be limited to clamp on the sheet of material at least two edges of the sheet of material.