Flanged transducer having improved rigidity
A transducer is provided that comprises a horn that is configured to transmit vibrations along its length during operation in the form of an oscillatory waveform, such oscillatory waveform having a plurality of vibration nodal points. An ultrasonic generator is coupled to one end of the horn and a bonding tool is coupled to an opposite end of the horn for performing bonding operations. A first flange structure is located along the length of the horn at a first vibration nodal point for mounting the transducer, and a second flange structure is located along the length of the horn at a second vibration nodal point for mounting the transducer, such that the second flange structure is separated from the first flange structure by a distance of at least two consecutive vibration nodal points.
1. A transducer comprising:
a horn configured to transmit vibrations along a length thereof during operation of the transducer in a form of an oscillatory waveform comprising a plurality of vibration nodal points, the horn having a first end and an end opposite the first end;
an ultrasonic generator coupled to the first end of the horn;
a bonding tool coupled to the end of the horn opposite the first end and configured to perform a bonding operation;
a first flange structure positioned along a length of the horn at a first vibration nodal point of the plurality of vibration nodal points and configured for mounting the transducer; and
a second flange structure positioned along the length of the horn at a second vibration nodal point of the plurality of vibration nodal points and configured for mounting the transducer, the second flange structure being separated from the first flange structure by a distance of exactly one wavelength of the oscillatory waveform.
2. The transducer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each of the first flange structure and the second flange structure comprises a neck portion protruding from the horn at the vibration nodal point and the second vibration nodal point, respectively, and a mounting portion positioned distally from the neck portion at a terminus of the flange structure and free of direct contact with the horn, the mounting portion connected to the neck portion, the mounting portion including a hole configured to attach the transducer to a bonding machine.
3. The transducer as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the first flange structure or the second flange structure further comprises an elongate shoulder portion positioned between the mounting portion and the neck portion and extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the horn.
4. The transducer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the bonding tool comprises a capillary.
5. The transducer as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first flange structure is unconnected to the second flange structure except only via the horn.