Horizontal Fracture Holding Structure for Contact-Free Part Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating fracturable assemblies in the SMART CUT® method face challenges in handling the separated parts without causing damage or contamination, particularly when the assemblies are positioned horizontally, due to potential friction and contact during separation.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with protrusions that suspend the fracturable assembly horizontally, using gravity to maintain the separated parts at a distance, minimizing contact and allowing easy handling, and incorporating a support to receive the lower part, thus preventing damage or contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fracturable assembly is positioned horizontally for separation, then the separation process becomes simpler and more automated, but the separated parts may contact each other causing scratches and surface damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from vertical to horizontal positioning of the fracturable assembly, changing the spatial dimension of the separation process. This dimensional change allows gravity to act perpendicular to the fracture plane, enabling the lower part to fall away from the upper part and eliminating contact between the separated surfaces, thus preventing scratches while maintaining process simplicity
2Ease of operation
If the fracturable assembly is positioned vertically for separation, then the separated parts remain close together requiring careful handling, but this positioning allows for controlled separation and easier handling of parts
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the positioning from vertical to horizontal, the invention exploits the gravitational field in a different orientation. This causes the lower part to fall in the vertical direction away from the horizontally positioned upper part, automatically creating separation distance and eliminating the need for complex handling operations to prevent contact
3Stability of the object's composition
If the lower part is supported on a rigid surface during horizontal separation, then the separation is stable and controlled, but the weight of the upper part may cause it to fall onto the lower part causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a blade as an intermediary element that initiates the fracture by inserting into the fracture plane and applying a lifting force to the lower part. This intermediary action creates sufficient separation distance between the upper and lower parts, preventing the upper part from falling onto the lower part and causing impact damage, while maintaining separation stability
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 ensures minimal intervention and contact-free handling of separated parts, maintaining surface homogeneity and reducing the risk of damage or contamination, while facilitating efficient and controlled separation.
Implementation Method 1
at least two protrusions (9) configured to keep the fracturable assembly (1) suspended in a substantially horizontal holding position
Data Source
AI summary
A holding device for a fracturable assembly, which is intended to separate along a fracture plane defined between an upper part and a lower part of the fracturable assembly, comprises at least two protrusions configured to keep the fracturable assembly suspended in a substantially horizontal holding position, the protrusions being intended to be located between the upper part and the lower part, against a peripheral chamfer of the upper part; a support located below and at a distance from the protrusions so as to gravitationally receive the lower part when the fracturable assembly is separated, and to keep it at a distance from the upper part held by the protrusions.