Filament Clamp Assembly with Spring-Loaded Locking Pin
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filament clamp assemblies for ion sources in ion implant systems experience compromised electrical connections due to clamping jaws relaxing over time, leading to repeated downtime for maintenance and potential replacement.
Innovation Solution
A filament clamp assembly with a pair of clamps having a locking pin and adjustable stud mechanism, allowing for secure engagement of the filament leads through a camming surface and locking nut, ensuring a repeatable and secure clamping action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cam operation or setscrew clamps are used to hold filament leads, then the filament can be secured in place, but the clamping jaws relax over time due to extreme temperatures and take permanent set, compromising electrical connection
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates a spring-loaded mechanism where a compression spring continuously applies force to push the clamping jaw against the filament lead. This dynamic system compensates for thermal relaxation and permanent set by maintaining constant pressure, ensuring reliable electrical connection over extended periods despite temperature-induced dimensional changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the clamping system from a rigid, static mechanical connection to a compliant, elastic system. By introducing a spring element, the clamp can elastically deform and recover, adapting to thermal expansion and contraction of the filament lead while maintaining consistent clamping force and electrical contact pressure.
2Reliability
If repeated maintenance and replacement of clamps is performed to address connection issues, then electrical connection reliability is restored, but implanter downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded clamp is designed as a maintenance-free system that self-adjusts to thermal conditions. The spring automatically compensates for wear, thermal relaxation, and dimensional changes without requiring manual intervention, eliminating the need for repeated maintenance and replacement operations that cause implanter downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring is pre-loaded to anticipate and compensate for future thermal relaxation and permanent set that would occur under extreme operating temperatures. This beforehand cushioning ensures the clamp maintains adequate clamping force throughout its service life, preventing connection degradation before it occurs.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple clamping mechanisms are used to minimize device complexity, then the clamp structure is easier to manufacture, but the clamp cannot maintain stable connection under extreme temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is divided into distinct functional components: a body housing, a movable clamping jaw, and a compression spring. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using simple, conventional processes while the assembled system provides the complex function of temperature-compensated clamping. The spring and jaw can be separate pieces or integrated, offering manufacturing flexibility.
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 provides a secure and repeatable clamping mechanism that reduces downtime for servicing ion implanters and is retrofitable to existing systems, maintaining a stable electrical connection over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
a camming surface abutting one end of the locking pin
Implementation Method 2
a threaded end. In addition, the means for moving the locking pin has a locking nut threaded onto the threaded end of the stud
Data Source
AI summary
The filament clamp assembly has a pair of clamps to hold the connecting leads of a filament. Each clamp employs a locking pin within a longitudinally disposed bore that is moved into clamping engagement with a filament lead by rotation of a locking nut that moves a stud with a camming surface into the clamp to lift the locking pin via the camming surface.