Sintering Press Tool With Flexible Membrane for Uniform Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diffusion soldering or sintering devices face challenges in applying a uniform press force, especially when connecting electronic components of varying heights, and require frequent access to the process chamber for tool changes and maintenance, leading to significant downtimes.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional diffusion soldering or sintering device with an evacuatable process chamber and a cover that acts as a press yoke, allowing for adjustable atmospheric conditions and easy access, featuring a locking device with swivelable locking arms and a flexible membrane pressure pad for uniform force distribution and height compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid press tool is used to apply press force, then the structure is simple and stable, but the press force distribution is uneven when components have varying heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane as the pressing surface that can deform and adapt to components of varying heights. This flexible membrane is tensioned between a first pressing device and a second pressing device, allowing it to conform to the topography of the workpiece while distributing pressure uniformly across the surface. The flexibility of the membrane enables it to maintain contact with irregular surfaces without requiring complex rigid mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a pneumatic or hydraulic system to apply and distribute the pressing force through the flexible membrane. The pressing devices are connected to a fluid supply system that can generate and control the pressing force, ensuring uniform distribution across the membrane and thereby achieving even pressure application on components with varying heights.
2Ease of operation
If the process chamber is designed for easy access to facilitate tool changes and maintenance, then the ease of operation improves, but the structural integrity and sealing capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The process chamber is segmented into modular components including a chamber body, a movable pressing device, and a separable cover. The pressing device can be independently accessed and replaced by removing the cover, which is sealed during operation but can be easily opened for maintenance. This segmentation allows tool changes and maintenance without compromising the overall chamber structure or sealing integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover of the process chamber is designed to be movable between a closed sealed position during operation and an open position for access. This dynamic design allows the chamber to transition between operational and maintenance states, enabling easy access to the pressing device while maintaining structural integrity and sealing capability during the sintering process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent access to the process chamber is required for tool changes, then the adaptability improves, but the productivity decreases due to increased downtimes
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing device is segmented into separable components that can be independently accessed and replaced. The cover design allows the pressing device to be removed and changed without disassembling the entire chamber, enabling quick tool changes and reducing downtime while maintaining adaptability for different workpiece configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pressing devices or tooling options can be pre-prepared and staged for quick replacement. The modular design allows operators to have backup tools ready, and the easy access design enables rapid swapping of pressing devices between production runs, minimizing downtime while maintaining versatility for different production requirements.
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 enables efficient, uniform press force application and reduced downtimes by allowing easy access and tool changes, ensuring a stable and conductive connection while minimizing peak pressures and maintenance efforts.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible membrane pressure pad for uniform force distribution and height compensation
Implementation Method 2
an evacuatable process chamber
Implementation Method 3
the temperature required for connection and diffusion, for example in a variant of pressure sintering (low-temperature pressure sintering) with silver as the joining material, is regularly between approx. 130° C. and 250° C. to 300° C.
Implementation Method 4
the joining layer is compacted by pressure before and during the diffusion process. Towards the end of the sintering operation, the pressure and the temperature are reduced.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sintering device or diffusion soldering device for connecting components of at least one electronic assembly by means of pressure sintering, comprising an evacuatable process chamber in which an upper tool and a lower tool are arranged, between which the assembly is held and which are displaceable relative to one another in their distance apart to exert a press force, wherein the process chamber comprises a base body having on its upper side an access opening and a cover which is adjustable between a closed position in which the access opening is closed by the cover and an open position, wherein the upper tool is supported on the cover in the closed position of the cover at least during the exertion of the press force.