Kinematic coupling system for thin plates and sheets and the like
US5915678A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 30, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jun 29, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 30, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/53961
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A novel system for kinematically positioning planar surfaces such as printed circuit board components and elements of material, where one element has precisely formed and positioned (e.g., punched) slots that fit loosely over three corresponding posts, such that when a bias force, such as gravity from a tilted plane or a combing action, or expanding bladder on the posts, is applied, the surfaces are referenced to one side of the slots to in effect form a planar kinematic coupling so the relative planar position and orientation is defined with great accuracy and repeatability; such also allowing an entire factory system to be built where each piece of precision manufacturing equipment can use this planar kinematic coupling to achieve great accuracy in the manufacture of printed circuit boards or the like to allow for the use of ever smaller electronics components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.