Wire Clamp Gap Control via Resilient Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wire bonding technologies face challenges in accurately controlling the clamp gap between clamping arms due to reliance on fixed stoppers, leading to structural vibrations, wear, and the need for manual adjustments, which are time-consuming and prone to human error.

Innovation Solution

A mechanism using a motor and a resilient member, such as a leaf spring, to control the clamp gap by adjusting the actuation force according to a predetermined relationship, eliminating the need for fixed stoppers and allowing for precise, on-the-fly adjustments without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a fixed stopper is used to limit the opening position of the movable clamping arm, then the clamp gap size is controlled, but impact force excites structural vibration and causes wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamp gap control accuracyVSAvoidstructural vibration and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A resilient member (spring) is introduced as an intermediary between the movable clamping arm and the stopper. This spring absorbs the impact force when the movable arm hits the stopper, converting the harmful impact into elastic deformation. The spring acts as a buffer that prevents direct transmission of impact forces to the clamp structure, thereby reducing vibration and wear while maintaining clamp gap control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient member provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-installed in the force transmission path. Before the impact occurs, the spring is already in position to absorb and dissipate the impact energy through its elastic properties. This preventive cushioning approach eliminates the harmful effects of impact forces before they can cause vibration or wear to the clamp structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of the opening stopper is used to control clamp gap, then the gap size can be changed for different wire diameters, but the process is time-consuming and requires jigs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamp gap adjustability for different wire diametersVSAvoidtime required for manual adjustment and jig usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient member enables the clamp gap to be self-adjusting based on the wire diameter. Instead of requiring manual intervention with jigs, the spring automatically compensates for different wire sizes by varying its compression amount. The system serves itself by using the physical interaction between the spring, movable arm, and wire to automatically establish the appropriate clamp gap, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state of the stopper from a fixed rigid position to a variable position controlled by spring compression. By changing the parameter of the stopper's position from fixed to variable through elastic deformation, the system can adapt to different wire diameters dynamically. This parameter change allows continuous adjustment of the clamp gap without manual intervention, improving both adaptability and reducing adjustment time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the movable clamping arm is configured to hit the opening stopper to limit movement, then the maximum opening position is defined, but impact force causes wear and tear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic limitation of opening positionVSAvoidwear and tear of apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient member serves as an intermediary that mediates between the movable clamping arm and the stopper. Instead of direct contact causing impact, the spring absorbs the interaction, maintaining the automatic position limitation function while protecting the apparatus from wear and tear through its shock-absorbing elastic properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enhances the accuracy and reliability of clamp gap control, reduces vibrations and wear, and eliminates the need for complex jigs, enabling easy adjustment of gap sizes without human error, resulting in time and cost savings.

Implementation Method 1

positioning a resilient member such that the actuation force acts upon and flexes the resilient member to an extent that is proportional to the clamp gap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7549569B2Wire clamp gap control mechanism and method

Publication Date: 2009.06.23 ASMPT SINGAPORE PTE LTD

AI summary

An apparatus and method for automatically controlling a clamp gap between clamping arms of a wire clamp is provided wherein a motor generates an actuation force for moving the clamping arms relative to each other. A resilient member is positioned such that the actuation force acts upon and flexes the resilient member to an extent that is proportional to the clamp gap, and the clamp gap is controlled by adjusting the amount of actuation force according to a predetermined relationship between the actuation force and the clamp gap.