Axially Adjustable Transport Elements for Substrate Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processing machines face challenges in achieving precise register-accurate alignment of substrates, particularly after initial processing steps, due to changes in substrate positioning during processing or transport.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a processing machine with a transport unit that includes axially adjustable transport elements, allowing for optimal alignment of substrates relative to processing units. This transport unit is designed to adjust individually or in groups, enabling precise alignment in the transport direction, transverse direction, and with respect to inclined positions.
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 during processing or transport leading to registration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary alignment upstream of the first processing unit to establish initial positioning, then compensates for subsequent positioning changes by detecting registration errors and adjusting the position of processing units or substrates mid-process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses detection devices to monitor substrate position and registration accuracy during processing, then feeds this information back to control systems that adjust processing unit positions or substrate transport to maintain accurate alignment throughout the process
2Manufacturing precision
If a transport unit with axially adjustable transport elements is implemented, then substrate alignment accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport unit is divided into multiple individually adjustable transport elements (such as rollers or belts) that can be controlled independently or in groups, allowing precise localization of alignment corrections without requiring complete system reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The transport elements are made axially adjustable to dynamically adapt their position during operation, enabling the system to compensate for substrate positioning changes and maintain accurate alignment throughout the processing sequence
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual or group adjustment of transport elements is enabled, then adaptability to substrate changes is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system enables selective adjustment of transport elements either individually or in groups based on the specific alignment needs, applying adjustment only where and when necessary rather than requiring complete system control for all scenarios
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a processing machine (01), wherein at least one further processing unit (600; 900) follows at least one processing unit (600) designed as 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) designed as an application unit (600) and the at least one subsequent processing unit (600; 900), the at least one transport unit (700) having 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), the plurality of transport elements (701) being axially adjustable individually or the plurality of transport elements (701) being axially adjustable in groups. In addition, the invention relates to a further processing machine (01) and to methods for the relative alignment of a substrate (02).