Axially Adjustable Transport Elements for Substrate Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing machines face challenges in accurately aligning substrates, particularly after the first processing unit, due to changes in substrate positioning caused by processing or transport, which affects the quality of the end product.
Innovation Solution
A processing machine design that includes a transport unit with axially adjustable transport elements, which are adjusted based on detected imaging elements or print marks by sensors, to optimize substrate alignment relative to processing units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If substrate alignment is performed only upstream of the first processing unit, then the initial positioning is established, but the substrate positioning changes after processing by the first processing unit, causing misalignment relative to subsequent processing units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transport unit with adjustable transport elements positioned between the first processing unit and subsequent processing units. This transport unit performs preliminary alignment adjustments by detecting the actual substrate position after the first processing unit and compensating for any deviations before the substrate enters subsequent processing units, thereby maintaining consistent alignment throughout the processing sequence
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs sensors to detect the actual position of substrates after processing by the first processing unit. This detection information is fed back to the transport unit, which then adjusts its transport elements to compensate for positioning changes, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains alignment precision across multiple processing units
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple processing units are added to enhance functionality, then product quality can be improved, but substrate alignment becomes more complex and difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The transport unit serves multiple functions: it transports substrates between processing units, detects substrate position using sensors, calculates alignment deviations, and executes correction by adjusting transport elements. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall system by consolidating alignment control capabilities in a single unit rather than requiring separate alignment mechanisms for each processing unit
Solution Approach 2:
The transport unit acts as an intermediary between the first processing unit and subsequent processing units. It mediates the substrate transfer process by detecting position changes and applying corrective adjustments, thereby simplifying the alignment requirements of downstream processing units while enabling enhanced processing functionality
3Device complexity
If traditional fixed transport elements are used, then the structure is simple, but substrate alignment accuracy deteriorates due to inability to compensate for positioning changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the transport elements from fixed to dynamically adjustable. The transport elements can change their position based on detected substrate alignment deviations, allowing the system to adapt to positioning changes caused by processing while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The transport elements are designed with adjustable parameters (position, orientation) that can be modified based on substrate alignment requirements. By changing these parameters in response to detected deviations, the system maintains high alignment accuracy without requiring a fundamentally complex transport structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a processing machine (01), wherein at least one processing unit (900) in the form of a shaping unit (900) follows at least one processing unit (600) in the form of an application unit (600) in the transport direction (T) of substrate (02), wherein at least one transport unit (700) is arranged between the at least one processing unit (600) in the form of an application unit (600) and the at least one subsequent processing unit (900), the at least one transport unit (700) comprising a plurality of transport elements (701), the transport elements (701) of the plurality of transport elements (701) being arranged one behind the other in the transport direction (T), at least one transport element (701) of the plurality of transport elements (701) being axially adjustable in accordance with the detection of at least one imaging element of a substrate (02) by at least one sensor (704) for substrate alignment. The invention further relates to a method for aligning a substrate (02) in a processing machine (01).