Electrostatic Tweezers for Fragile Semiconductor Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tweezers used in watchmaking often scratch or break fragile semiconductor components like silicon, affecting the aesthetic appearance and functionality of timepieces, and existing suction-based solutions fail to address these issues.
Innovation Solution
Development of tweezers with an electrostatic gripping surface on one arm, allowing for precise handling of conductive or semi-conductive components without mechanical pressure, featuring a removable electrostatic gripping surface and a control mechanism for varying the attraction force, enabling easy and precise assembly of delicate components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional tweezers are used to grip semiconductor components, then the components can be manipulated and positioned, but the fragile outer surface is marked by scratches and the components may break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical gripping system with an electrostatic field-based gripping system. The electrostatic tweezers generate an electrostatic field that attracts and holds semiconductor components without physical contact pressure, eliminating scratches and breakage while maintaining manipulation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electrostatic field as an intermediary between the tweezers and the semiconductor component. This intermediate field allows for component handling without direct mechanical contact, preventing surface damage while enabling precise positioning
2Object-affected harmful factors
If suction-based gripping is used to avoid mechanical contact, then surface damage is reduced, but the solution is insufficient for fragile semiconductor components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the suction-based mechanical system with an electrostatic field system. The electrostatic attraction provides more reliable and controllable gripping force for fragile semiconductor components compared to suction, maintaining component integrity while avoiding surface damage
3Strength
If the electrostatic gripping surface is made of hard material for durability, then the tool is more robust, but the surface appearance of delicate components may be altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure where the electrostatic gripping surface is made of a soft, non-conductive material that is gentle on component surfaces, while the underlying structure provides mechanical strength and durability. This composite approach maintains both tool robustness and component surface integrity
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 electrostatic tweezers facilitate safe handling and precise positioning of components, preventing scratches and breakage, while allowing for adaptation to different components through interchangeable gripping surfaces and ergonomic operation.
Implementation Method 1
the first arm comprises at least one electrostatic gripping surface provided for gripping, by electrostatic attraction, a component made of conductive or semi-conductive material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The tweezers (12) has branches (16, 18) joined at an axial end (20) of the tweezers and forming a gripping claw (22) at another axial end for capturing a small component (14) e.g. display hand, using the claw by manual operation of the tweezers, where the branches are made of electrical conductor material e.g. foam. The branch (16) has an electrostatic gripping surface (24) that captures the component by an electrostatic attraction and is arranged on a side of an external surface of the branch (16). A guiding portion forces the component to occupy a determined position on the surface.