Pad Carrier Assembly for Sag-Free PVA Buffing Pad Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of supporting a large and thick water absorbent buffing pad made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) material in a horizontal pre-clean module without it sagging due to its inherent thickness and size.
Innovation Solution
A pad carrier assembly with a mechanical clamping mechanism, including a coupling base and pad carrier, uses magnetic or ferromagnetic elements to securely hold the buffing pad in place, preventing sagging during chemical mechanical polishing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large and thick PVA buffing pad is used to improve polishing performance and reduce buffing time, then productivity and cleaning efficiency are improved, but the pad sags when supported by a conventional pad carrier
Solution Approach 1:
The pad carrier is divided into multiple support arms that extend radially outward from a central hub, with each arm providing independent support to different sectors of the buffing pad. This segmentation distributes the support load and prevents sagging while maintaining the large pad size for improved productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pad carrier features varying structural properties at different locations - the support arms have increased stiffness and density in regions where they contact the thick PVA pad, while maintaining overall lightness. This local quality enhancement provides targeted support exactly where the thick pad material would otherwise sag, resolving the contradiction between pad thickness and shape stability.
2Area of stationary object
If a larger buffing pad is used to improve cleaning performance, then the area of contact and effectiveness are improved, but the pad becomes inherently thicker and larger which causes sagging
Solution Approach 1:
The pad carrier transitions from a conventional planar support structure to a three-dimensional radial arm configuration that extends upward and outward. This dimensional change allows the carrier to support the large-area thick pad without the support structure itself occupying excessive horizontal space, enabling large pad area while maintaining shape control through vertical support geometry.
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 effectively supports and retains the PVA buffing pad, ensuring stable operation and efficient cleaning performance by maintaining the pad's shape and position during the polishing process.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp body comprises one or more ferromagnetic or paramagnetic material containing elements disposed within the clamp body
Data Source
AI summary
A pad carrier assembly that includes a coupling base and a pad carrier coupled to the coupling base, the coupling base and the pad carrier are configured to support a buffing pad by a mechanical clamping mechanism. Embodiments of the present disclosure will provide a method of supporting a buffing pad in a horizontal pre-clean module. The method includes mechanically clamping or retaining a buffing pad on a peripheral edge of the buffing pad, wherein the coupling base and the pad carrier are coupled and disposed in a horizontal pre-clean module, and supporting the buffing pad and preventing the buffing pad from sagging, by use of one or more pad retaining features.