Ionized Air Workpiece Holding for Thin Suspension Inspection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece holding devices struggle to securely hold thin and slender workpieces like disk drive suspensions, particularly due to static charging and warping issues, which can lead to incorrect imaging during inspection.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece holding device with a workpiece placement table, suction holes, a blow suction unit, and a movement mechanism, along with an optional ionizer, to securely hold and stabilize the workpiece by ionized air jets and suction, ensuring proper positioning and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suction device is used to hold the workpiece, then the workpiece can be secured to the mount surface by negative pressure, but the workpiece may separate from the suction stage or warp due to static electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the static electricity that causes problems by introducing a grounded metal plate near the workpiece. The grounded plate attracts the statically charged workpiece through electrostatic attraction, converting the harmful static charge into a beneficial holding force that complements the suction device's negative pressure holding mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a grounded metal plate as an intermediary between the suction device and the workpiece. This metal plate serves as a mediator that provides additional electrostatic attraction to hold the workpiece, while also providing a discharge path for static electricity, thus resolving the conflict between holding stability and static electricity effects.
2Device complexity
If the workpiece is held by negative pressure alone, then the structure remains simple, but the workpiece cannot be securely held when charged with static electricity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two different holding mechanisms: the suction device that provides negative pressure holding and the grounded metal plate that provides electrostatic attraction. By combining these two approaches, the system achieves reliable workpiece holding even when the workpiece is charged with static electricity, without requiring a completely complex redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the holding system by introducing a conductive metal plate with ground connection. This adds a new parameter (electrostatic attraction force) to the holding mechanism, enabling the system to adapt to workpieces with static charge while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 device effectively prevents workpiece detachment and warping, allowing for secure holding and efficient inspection of thin and slender workpieces by ensuring proper adhesion and stabilization during imaging processes.
Implementation Method 1
The negative pressure generating source is connected to the suction hole and suctions air through the suction hole
Implementation Method 2
The jet outlet blows gas (for example, air) from above the workpiece toward the workpiece placed on the workpiece support surface
Data Source
AI summary
A workpiece holding device includes a workpiece support surface and a blow suction unit. The workpiece support surface includes suction holes formed therein. A workpiece placed on the workpiece support surface is adsorbed by the suction holes. The blow suction unit includes an ionizer that ionizes gas (for example, air), a jet outlet that jets the gas toward the workpiece and a suction inlet. The gas blown onto and reflected off the workpiece is suctioned through the suction inlet. While blowing the ionized gas onto the workpiece, the blow suction unit is moved relative to the length direction of the workpiece.