Independent Substrate Holder Positioning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing substrate holder reception apparatuses are mechanically complex and expensive, making them costly and inefficient for holding and moving substrate holders in electrolyte tanks during electrochemical treatment.
Innovation Solution
A substrate holder reception apparatus with independent first and second positioning devices, each equipped with guiding devices and a drive unit, where the guiding devices are movable together with the substrate holder during connection and independently movable during disconnection, utilizing a spring mechanism to maintain the loading position and simplify loading and unloading processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanically linked clamping arms are used to simultaneously move both positioning devices, then synchronized movement is achieved, but the mechanism becomes mechanically complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the positioning into two independent positioning devices (first positioning device and second positioning device) that operate independently rather than through a mechanically linked system. Each positioning device has its own connection device and guiding device, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages while maintaining positioning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically returns the second guiding device to the loading position after disconnection, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages or additional actuators to restore the system state. The system uses the substrate holder itself as the connector, simplifying the overall structure.
2Device complexity
If independent positioning devices are used for each side of the substrate holder, then device complexity is reduced, but synchronized movement during connection becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate holder itself serves as the mechanical connector between the two independent positioning devices. When the substrate holder is inserted, it automatically couples both connection devices, ensuring synchronized movement without requiring additional linkage mechanisms. This merging of functions simplifies the overall system while maintaining synchronization.
3Ease of operation
If a spring mechanism is added to return the guiding device to loading position, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism provides automatic self-service functionality by returning the second guiding device to the loading position after disconnection. This simple passive mechanism eliminates the need for active control systems or additional actuators, providing automatic reset functionality with minimal added complexity.
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 cost-effective and simplified mechanism for holding and moving substrate holders, ensuring full functionality while reducing mechanical complexity and operational costs, allowing for easy removal and repositioning of the substrate holder.
Implementation Method 1
the second guiding device is connected to a spring mechanism which, in the disconnected state, is configured to move the second guiding device to the loading position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
This invention concerns a substrate holder reception apparatus (1) for holding a substrate holder (3) that is connected to a substrate (2) for treatment in an electrolyte tank (14), the substrate holder reception apparatus (1) comprising a first positioning device (11), that comprises a first connection device (71) for connecting the substrate holder (3) and a first guiding device (41) for guiding the substrate holder (3) and a drive unit (43) for moving the substrate holder (3) relative to the electrolyte tank (14), and a second positioning unit (12), that comprises a second connection device (72) for connecting the substrate holder (3) and a second guiding device (42) for guiding the substrate holder (3), wherein, in a state of connection with the first connection device (71) and the second connection device (72) with the substrate holder (3), the first guide device (41) and the second guiding device (42) are movable together with the substrate holder (3) by the drive unit (43), wherein the first guide device (41) and the second guide device (42) are movable independently from each other in a state of disconnection of the first connection device (71) and the second connection device (72) from the substrate holder (3) and the second guiding device (42) is connected to a spring mechanism (5) which, in the disconnected state, is configured to move the second guiding device (42) to the loading position. The invention further concerns an electrochemical treatment apparatus (1000). (Fig. 1)