Pressure Sensor Solder Joint Spacing for Thermal Crack Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting electronic components to carriers via soldering often result in connections that are susceptible to cracking due to thermal changes, leading to mechanical instability and potential detachment, especially when thin solder layers are used.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using metallic or metallized bolt-shaped connecting elements with spacers of specific dimensions to create a resilient connection between sensor electronics on a printed circuit board and a ceramic pressure-sensitive sensor element, ensuring a stable and reliable soldering process by maintaining a controlled spacing and using spacers made from materials with higher melting points than the solder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If solder is applied to the carrier and the component is placed on it, then the component can be connected to the carrier, but the connection becomes susceptible to cracking due to thermal changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoldering processVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming a solder bump with a non-melting core (such as a ceramic or glass core) before the soldering process. This core structure is prepared in advance to maintain integrity during thermal cycling, preventing the cracking that would occur with conventional thin solder layers. The bump is attached to the component lead in advance, and then the assembly is soldered to the carrier, ensuring the connection remains stable under thermal changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If a thin layer of solder is used to connect the component, then the component can be attached to the carrier, but the mechanical stability of the connection is weakened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoldering efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by creating a solder bump with a non-melting core (ceramic, glass, or metal) surrounded by a solder material. This composite structure combines the advantages of both materials: the core provides mechanical strength and dimensional stability to prevent cracking, while the solder material provides良好的 wetting and bonding properties for reliable electrical and mechanical connection. This composite bump structure significantly enhances the mechanical stability of the connection compared to thin solder layers alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Force

If the component sinks down to a zero gap during placement, then the component can be firmly attached, but cracks form in the solder layer due to thermal expansion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplacement forceVSAvoidthermal stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a non-melting core within the solder bump that acts as a cushion or buffer during thermal cycling. This core maintains a controlled gap or space within the solder structure, preventing the solder from completely solidifying and cracking when thermal expansion and contraction forces are applied. The core absorbs the mechanical stress of thermal cycling, cushioning the solder layer against crack formation while still allowing firm attachment of the component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This approach results in a stable and resilient connection that withstands thermal changes, maintaining mechanical stability and electrical contact integrity by incorporating spacers that act as elastic elements between the components and the carrier, enhancing the reliability of pressure sensor production.

Implementation Method 1

the spacer acts as an elastic element between the components and the carrier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

soldering is used to connect the bolt-shaped connecting elements to the ceramic sensor element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP2862426B1Method for fabrication of pressure sensors
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 ENDRESS & HAUSER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2862426B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2862426B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for connecting a component (1) to a carrier (6) via soldering between a first contact surface (11), on the component, and a second contact surface (61), on the carrier (6). The method is characterized in that at least one spacer (2) is designed and arranged between the first contact surface (11) and the second contact surface (61) in such a manner that the first contact surface and the second contact surface are spaced apart from one another, and that the soldering is performed in such a manner that the component (1) and the carrier (6) are connected to one another via the first contact surface (11) and the second contact surface (61). A component (1) for connection to a carrier (6) via soldering is also claimed.