Monolithic Spring Contact for Ion Trap Electrical Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of ion traps made from nonconductive bulk material with electrical connections is complicated, leading to longer production times and potential defects due to the need for additional steps and processes.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic trap module with a spring element made from a non-conductive substrate, featuring a conductive area connected to an electrode, allows for electrical connections through compression, eliminating the need for separate connection methods like wire-bonding or soldering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wire-bonding, soldering, or separate connectors are used to create electrical connections on ion traps, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases and production time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function directly into the trap body by forming conductive areas on the nonconductive substrate that serves as both the structural body and the electrical connection interface. This eliminates the need for separate connectors, wire-bonding, or soldering steps, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The nonconductive substrate serves multiple functions: it provides the structural body of the ion trap, supports the electrodes, and simultaneously provides the electrical connection interface through formed conductive areas. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If separate connection methods like wire-bonding or soldering are used, then electrical connections are established, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection structure is integrated into the trap body formation process itself. Conductive areas are formed directly on the nonconductive substrate during the same manufacturing steps used to create the trap structure, eliminating sequential operations like wire-bonding or soldering that would extend production time.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive areas are prepared in advance as part of the substrate processing before final assembly. This preliminary formation of connection interfaces ensures that electrical connectivity is already established when components are assembled, eliminating time-consuming post-assembly connection steps.
3Reliability
If multiple manufacturing steps are added to create electrical connections, then connectivity is achieved, but the risk of defects increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the electrical connection formation with the trap body fabrication process, the patent reduces the total number of manufacturing steps. Fewer discrete steps mean fewer opportunities for defects to occur during assembly, handling, or joining operations, thereby improving overall manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The nonconductive substrate itself serves as the foundation for electrical connections through formed conductive areas, eliminating the need for separate connection components that would require additional assembly steps. This self-integrated approach reduces handling and assembly operations that could introduce defects.
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
Simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces production time, and enhances the robustness and reliability of electrical connections in ion traps.
Implementation Method 1
The spring element is adapted to compress upon pressure applied on the electrically conductive area
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a module of a trap for charged particles (e.g. ions), to manufacturing such module, to a trap including the module and a manufacturing of such modular trap . The module comprises a monolithic body made of a non-conductive substrate and an electrode arranged on a portion of a surface of the monolithic body. A part of the monolithic body forms a spring element. An electrically conductive area is arranged on and covers a portion of a surface of the spring element and is conductively connected with the electrode. The spring element is adapted to compress upon pressure applied on the electrically conductive area.