Magnetic Frameless Separating Strip for Selective Wave Soldering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing soldering nozzles for selective wave soldering require multiple strip packages with frames for different geometries, leading to complexity and high costs, and existing solutions do not ensure reliable and flexible removal of excess solder to prevent undesirable solder bridges.

Innovation Solution

A frameless separating strip held by magnetically acting means within the nozzle's base body, allowing for individual manufacturing and easy replacement, with height-adjustable insert parts and secure grooves for precise guidance of solder flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple strip packages with frames are used for different nozzle geometries, then the separating function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different nozzle geometriesVSAvoidcomplexity of strip package with frame
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the separating strip from the frame structure, eliminating the need for a frame entirely. The frameless separating strip is held directly in the wave section by magnetic forces, removing unnecessary structural elements while maintaining the separating function across different nozzle geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The frameless separating strip design creates a universal solution that can be used with multiple nozzle geometries. By removing the frame and using magnetic retention, a single strip design can adapt to different wave section configurations without requiring custom-framed packages for each geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separating strips are enclosed in frames, then the strips are retained in position, but the ease of manufacture and replacement decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention of separating strip in positionVSAvoidease of manufacture and replacement of separating strip
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is completely removed from the design. The separating strip is retained in position through magnetic forces alone, eliminating the need for mechanical framing structures and simplifying both manufacturing and replacement processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical frame structure with a magnetic field-based retention system. Magnets embedded in the wave section hold the frameless separating strip in position through magnetic attraction, eliminating complex mechanical assembly and disassembly requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If magnets are placed in the wave section to hold the separating strip, then the strip is retained securely, but the magnets are exposed to solder contamination and wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure retention of separating stripVSAvoidsolder contamination and wear on magnets
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic strip or magnetic layer as an intermediary between the magnets and the separating strip. This intermediary layer allows magnetic retention while protecting the magnets from direct exposure to solder contamination and mechanical wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The separating strip is designed as a disposable component that can be easily replaced, while the magnets remain protected and reusable. This approach accepts that the strip will wear or become contaminated, but protects the expensive magnets from the same fate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Manufacturing precision

If custom-framed strip packages are used for each nozzle geometry, then the separating function is optimized for each geometry, but the productivity and cost-effectiveness decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimization for specific nozzle geometryVSAvoidproductivity of nozzle manufacturing and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The frameless separating strip creates a universal component that works across multiple nozzle geometries. This eliminates the need to manufacture and inventory custom-framed packages for each nozzle type, significantly improving productivity and reducing costs while maintaining adequate separating performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By removing the frame and its geometry-specific adaptations, the patent creates a standardized separating strip that can be used across different nozzle designs, streamlining manufacturing and maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 flexible, cost-effective, and reliable means to prevent solder bridges by ensuring precise control of solder flow and easy adaptation to different nozzle geometries, enhancing the reproducibility of high-quality solder joints.

Implementation Method 1

The retaining means are designed as magnetically acting means. The separating strip is made of ferromagnetic material, at least in sections, and the retaining means are designed as retaining magnets provided on the base body.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

at least one separating strip that can be inserted into the wave section and is wettable with solder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWetting: Wetting

Data Source

PatentEP3762172B1Soldering nozzle and soldering installation
Publication Date: 2023.11.22 ERSA GMBH
  • EP3762172B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3762172B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3762172B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a soldering nozzle for the simultaneous selective wave soldering of at least two spaced-apart rows of solder joints in a soldering installation, with a base portion which can be arranged on a nozzle plate, and with a wave portion which forms the solder wave during operation and which has a peripheral wall having a free upper side, and with at least one separating strip which can be inserted into the wave portion and which can be wetted with solder, wherein the at least one separating strip is formed as a frameless separating strip. The invention also relates to a soldering installation having a nozzle plate and having at least one soldering nozzle.