Workpiece Carrier Gear Train for Adjustable Holder Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece carrier devices for vacuum processing, such as those disclosed in prior art, have complex structures and limited adjustability of the transmission ratio, which can impair the quality of coated workpieces, especially when applying thin layers, and do not allow for simple and reliable adjustment of the transmission ratio.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece carrier device with a simple structure featuring a rotary frame with concentrically mounted workpiece holders, a central wheel, and an intermediate gear set that allows for adjustable transmission ratios by varying the number of teeth on the central and ring gears, enabling a wide range of transmission ratio selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex transmission mechanism (auxiliary gear set, ring gear, multiple intermediate gears) is used to control workpiece holder rotation, then the transmission ratio can be controlled, but the device structure becomes complex and adjustability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the number of teeth on the central wheel and pinion to achieve different transmission ratios. This allows continuous adjustment of the transmission ratio without changing the mechanical structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission mechanism is segmented into a central wheel, pinion, and crank-type intermediate portion, allowing independent optimization of each component. This segmentation enables simple structural design while maintaining transmission ratio controllability through parameter variation in each segment.
2Device complexity
If intermittent rotation drivers are used to rotate workpiece holders, then the structure can be simplified, but the rotation becomes intermittent which impairs workpiece quality during coating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous rotation of workpiece holders through the gear engagement between the central wheel and pinion, eliminating intermittent motion. This continuous rotation maintains coating quality while the overall driving mechanism remains simple, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed transmission ratio mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the transmission ratio cannot be selected from a wide range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables transmission ratio adjustment by changing the number of teeth parameters of the central wheel and pinion, allowing a wide selection range without complicating the manufacturing process. This parameter-based adjustment resolves the contradiction between adaptability and ease of manufacture.
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 simple and reliable driving of workpiece holders with adjustable transmission ratios, improving the quality of coated workpieces by allowing for a broader range of transmission ratio settings, thus enhancing the processing efficiency in vacuum coating applications.
Implementation Method 1
a pinion (25) whose toothing engages with the central toothing (21) of the central wheel (21)
Implementation Method 2
The centre point of the ring gear (27) on the transmission part (26) constitutes an output point (29) which is at a distance of an eccentricity E from the rotational axle (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A workpiece carrier (2) comprises a rotary frame (3) and a driving part (22), both of which are rotatable about a driving axle (4). The rotary frame (3) can be driven by a motor (6), and carries a plurality of workpiece holders (13) which are distributed around the driving axle (4) so as to be rotatable about holder axes. Mounted in the driving part (22) on a mount is a pinion (25) which engages with a stationary central wheel (21) and a ring gear (27) of a transmission part (26), at the centre of which lies an output point (29) which is at a distance of an eccentricity from the driving axle (4). Driving apertures (28) on the transmission part (26), through which driving pins (19) of the workpiece holders (13) project, are also at the distance of the eccentricity from the holder axes. On rotation of the rotary frame (3), the driving part (22) revolves about the driving axle (4) and additionally imposes on the transmission part (26), which rotates concomitantly with the rotary frame (3), an eccentric motion such that the output point (29) circles round the driving axle (4), as a result of which corresponding rotation of the workpiece holders (13) is effected.