Fluid Bed Press Drive Mechanism for Compact Encapsulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing encapsulating presses for electronic components are bulky, heavy, and expensive due to their voluminous drive mechanisms, which hinder compact and cost-effective operation while maintaining the ability to close at different speeds securely.
Innovation Solution
A press utilizing a fluid bed drive mechanism with a displacer that allows for high-speed movement with low pressure and separate, higher pressure closure, enabling a compact and efficient design with forced process protection, and optionally using a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder with solid particles to reduce leakage risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a voluminous drive mechanism is used to provide high closing pressure, then the desired closing pressure is achieved, but the press becomes heavy, expensive, and occupies considerable space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a fluid bed (pneumatic or hydraulic system) as the drive mechanism. The fluid bed consists of a chamber filled with compressible fluid (gas or liquid) that can be rapidly compressed to generate high closing pressure. This eliminates the need for heavy mechanical drive mechanisms while achieving the required closing pressure through fluid compression, thereby reducing the press weight and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the driving medium from solid mechanical components to compressible fluid. By using a fluid bed that can be rapidly compressed, the system achieves high pressure generation with minimal weight. The fluid's compressibility allows for rapid pressure buildup during the closing movement without requiring heavy mechanical transmission components.
2Stress or pressure
If a voluminous drive mechanism is used to provide high closing pressure, then the desired closing pressure is achieved, but the press becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid bed system uses commercially available pneumatic or hydraulic components that are typically less expensive than custom-designed mechanical drive mechanisms. The standard trade items used in fluid beds can be manufactured cost-effectively and assembled compactly, reducing the overall press cost while maintaining the required closing pressure capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid bed system employs standard, off-the-shelf pneumatic or hydraulic components that are generally more cost-effective than custom mechanical drives. These standardized components can be easily replaced if needed and are manufactured at lower cost, reducing the overall expense of the press system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a voluminous drive mechanism is used, then the desired functionality is achieved, but the press occupies considerable space during use
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid bed drive mechanism is inherently more compact than mechanical drive systems. The fluid chamber can be designed to fit within the press structure itself, eliminating the need for external mechanical transmission components, motors, and gear systems. This results in a significantly reduced press volume while maintaining full drive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid bed system allows for nested integration where the fluid chamber and driving components are contained within the existing press structure. The mould parts and fluid bed components can be arranged in a compact, nested configuration that utilizes the available space efficiently, reducing the overall press volume.
4Productivity
If high speed movement is used for rapid processing, then the processing cycle is reduced, but the risk of damage to products increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid bed system enables dynamic control of the closing speed through fluid compression characteristics. The compressible fluid allows for rapid initial movement (high speed) followed by natural deceleration as the fluid compresses, providing soft closing. This dynamic behavior allows the press to achieve both high productivity and reduced product damage risk without requiring separate speed control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible fluid in the fluid bed acts as a cushioning medium that naturally reduces impact forces during the closing movement. As the fluid compresses during the closing process, it absorbs excess energy and provides a soft closing effect, protecting the products from damage while maintaining rapid processing speeds.
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 results in a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective press that can operate at different speeds securely, reducing the risk of product damage and maintaining high processing capacity without the need for heavy drive mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
an effective fluid drive requiring relatively little pressure can be used
Implementation Method 2
a displacer operable independently of the first fluid feed... whereby the encapsulating material fed between the mould parts by the feed means can be placed under an increased pressure
Implementation Method 3
The displacer is embodied such that it is operable by a cylinder onto which a second fluid feed connects
Implementation Method 4
the cylinder can be embodied as desired and depending on the circumstances as a pneumatic cylinder (air cylinder) or a hydraulic cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a press for encapsulating electronic components, comprising: two displaceable mold parts (5,6), feed means for encapsulating material, and a drive mechanism connecting onto the mold parts. In a first embodiment the drive mechanism is provided with a fluid bed (14) and a first fluid feed (15) whereby their connection can be interrupted by a displacer (16). In a further embodiment a displacer (28) is provided in the feed channel (26) to place the encapsulating material (25) under pressure. Furthermore, the present invention relates to methods for encapsulating electronic components with encapsulating material in such presses.