Automated Ceramic Patch Antenna Inspection and Laser Trimming

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for inspecting and trimming ceramic patch antennas rely heavily on manual expertise, resulting in high manufacturing costs and low production capacity, as they require human intervention to ensure electrical characteristics meet standard parameters.

Innovation Solution

An automated system that includes an inspection apparatus connected to a radio frequency component testing fixture, which measures and compares the electrical characteristics of ceramic patch antennas to standard parameters, and a trimming machine, such as a laser engraving machine, to adjust the radiation metal surface based on image capture and analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual inspection and trimming by experienced inspectors is used, then electrical characteristics can be adjusted to meet standard parameters, but manufacturing cost is high and production capacity is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical characteristics complianceVSAvoidproduction capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation where the inspection apparatus automatically measures electrical characteristics, compares them against standard parameters, and controls the trimming machine to perform corrections without human intervention. The system serves itself by using measured data to directly drive correction actions, eliminating the need for experienced inspectors while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical inspection and trimming process with an automated system that uses measurement instruments and computer-controlled trimming machines. The mechanical system of manual operation is substituted with automated measurement and control systems that can operate continuously at high speed, thereby increasing production capacity while maintaining or improving manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual inspection and trimming by experienced inspectors is used, then electrical characteristics can be adjusted to meet standard parameters, but manufacturing cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical characteristics complianceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation where the inspection apparatus automatically measures electrical characteristics, compares them against standard parameters, and controls the trimming machine to perform corrections without human intervention. The system serves itself by using measured data to directly drive correction actions, eliminating the need for experienced inspectors while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical inspection and trimming process with an automated system that uses measurement instruments and computer-controlled trimming machines. The mechanical system of manual operation is substituted with automated measurement and control systems that can operate continuously at high speed, thereby increasing production capacity while maintaining or improving manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated inspection and trimming system is used, then production capacity increases and manufacturing cost decreases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction capacityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection apparatus serves multiple functions: it measures electrical characteristics, compares measurements against standard parameters, determines whether trimming is needed, and controls the trimming machine. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single integrated system, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high production capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where measurement results directly influence trimming decisions and parameters. The inspection apparatus provides real-time feedback to the control system, which automatically adjusts trimming operations based on measured deviations from standard parameters. This feedback loop eliminates the need for complex human decision-making processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This system enables more accurate and efficient inspection and trimming of ceramic patch antennas, reducing manpower and manufacturing costs while increasing production capacity by automating the process.

Implementation Method 1

The trimming machine is a laser engraving machine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS9895770B2System for automatically inspecting and trimming a patch antenna

Publication Date: 2018.02.20 CIROCOMM TECHNOLOGY CORP

AI summary

A system for automatically inspecting and trimming a ceramic patch antenna includes an inspection apparatus electrically connected to a radio frequency component testing fixture. The inspection apparatus is inputted standard parameters of electrical characteristics of the ceramic patch antenna. The ceramic patch antenna is arranged on the radio frequency component testing fixture. Then, the inspection apparatus is configured to measure electrical characteristics of the ceramic patch antenna and to judge whether the electrical characteristics of the ceramic patch antenna are the same as the standard parameters or not. The inspection apparatus is configured to drive a trimming machine for trimming a radiation metal surface of the ceramic patch antenna if the electrical characteristics of the ceramic patch antenna are different from the stand parameters.