Automated Multi-Point Probe Handling System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of multi-point probes involves significant manual intervention, leading to damage and wear, particularly for probes with arms on the micrometer scale, which results in reduced accuracy and increased risk of errors in measurements.
Innovation Solution
An automated handling system comprising a multi-point probe with a planar design, a probe holder, a probe cassette, a probe manipulator head, and a probe loader, which minimizes manual contact and ensures accurate positioning and alignment, reducing the risk of damage and improving measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of multi-point probes is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to damage and wear of probe arms
Solution Approach 1:
A holder device is introduced as an intermediary between the manual operator and the multi-point probe. The holder engages with the probe in a contamination-free environment and transfers the probe to the measurement system, eliminating direct manual contact with the probe arms while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical handling process is replaced with an automated mechanical transfer system. The holder device with engagement features (such as engagement fingers or clamps) automatically grasps and transfers the probe, substituting human fingers with a controlled mechanical system that prevents damage.
2Reliability
If automated handling system is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated handling system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a holder device with specific engagement features, a contamination-free environment (such as a glove box or clean chamber), and a transfer mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder device is designed with multi-functional capabilities: it provides mechanical support, ensures accurate positioning, maintains contamination-free environment, and enables automated transfer. By consolidating these functions into a single device, system complexity is reduced despite the automated handling requirements.
3Measurement precision
If probe arms on micrometer scale are used, then measurement precision is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to sensitivity to damage and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The holder device provides protective engagement features that cushion and protect the delicate micrometer-scale probe arms during handling. The engagement mechanism is designed with sufficient clearance and gentle contact points to prevent even minor impacts from causing damage to the fragile probe structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe handling and storage occur in a contamination-free environment such as a glove box or clean chamber. This inert environment prevents external contaminants from damaging the probe arms while also protecting the probe from environmental factors that could cause wear or degradation during automated handling operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-point probe particularly suitable for automated handling is disclosed. An automated multi-point measuring system including the multi-point probe and a probe manipulator head is also disclosed In addition, an automated multi-point probe gripping system including a probe holder and the probe manipulator head is revealed. Further, a loaded probe loader comprising a probe loader and a probe cassette for handling the multi-point probe is also revealed, where the probe cassette is provided with the probe holder for securing the multi-point probe.