Method for ensuring planarity when using a flexible, self conforming, workpiece support system
First Claim
1. A method for providing support to a printed circuit board, the method comprising the steps of:
- positioning a printed circuit board over a flexible pin support, the flexible pin support comprising a plurality of elongate support members, a component which assists in profiling the plurality of elongate support members, and a mechanism to maintain the plurality of elongate support members in a profiled position while applying a force onto the printed circuit board;
positioning a planarity maintaining support member and the printed circuit board whereby the planarity maintaining support member provides a planar force to the printed circuit board that opposes a profiling force applied to the printed circuit board by the plurality of elongate support members, and holding the plurality of elongate support members in a profiled position.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and accessories are disclosed for a flexible support apparatus 100, 900 using elongated support members 110 to support a face of a workpiece 10 and respective protrusions 335. The elongated support members 110 are arranged through at least one plane of perforated material 120, where the elongated support members 110 are profiled against the workpiece 10 and respective protrusions 335. The profile of the elongated support members 110 is created by contacting forces 132 generated by bringing the workpiece 330 and the plurality of elongated support members 110 together. A holding force is then applied to the elongated support members 110 to support the workpiece 10 against forces applied by a workstation. Fluid 902 is used to raise expansion members to raise the plurality of elongate support members 110. A perforated plate 920 is used to control the flow of fluid 902 between a fluid cavity 910 and the plurality of expansion members 904. Accessories to improve performance and reliability include a protective collar for protection from foreign materials 870 (solder paste) and a reinforcing member 40, 44 to reinforce thin, flexible workpieces 10.
74 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method for providing support to a printed circuit board, the method comprising the steps of:
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positioning a printed circuit board over a flexible pin support, the flexible pin support comprising a plurality of elongate support members, a component which assists in profiling the plurality of elongate support members, and a mechanism to maintain the plurality of elongate support members in a profiled position while applying a force onto the printed circuit board;
positioning a planarity maintaining support member and the printed circuit board whereby the planarity maintaining support member provides a planar force to the printed circuit board that opposes a profiling force applied to the printed circuit board by the plurality of elongate support members, and holding the plurality of elongate support members in a profiled position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method of reinforcing a printed circuit board during a profiling process of a flexible, self-conforming workpiece support apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:
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positioning a printed circuit board and a reinforcing member proximate each other;
profiling a plurality of elongate support members of a flexible self-conforming workpiece support apparatus; and
holding the plurality of elongate support members to a profiled position. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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11. A method for providing support to a printed circuit board, the method comprising the steps of:
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positioning a printed circuit board over a flexible pin support, the flexible pin support comprising a plurality of elongate support members, a component which assists in profiling the plurality of elongate support members, and a mechanism to maintain the plurality of elongate support members in a profiled position while applying a force onto the printed circuit board;
positioning a planarity maintaining support member and the printed circuit board whereby the planarity maintaining support member provides a planar force to the printed circuit board that opposes a profiling force applied to the printed circuit board by the plurality of elongate support members; and
,holding the plurality of elongate support members in a profiled position; and
at least one of the following assembly processes;
1) applying solder paste to the printed circuit board, 2) applying adhesive to the printed circuit board, and 3) placing components onto the printed circuit board. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification