Dispensing System Angular Fiducial Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing systems for viscous materials on circuit boards are inaccurate when the area to be dispensed is not well defined with respect to fiducials, leading to suboptimal dispensing operations.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing system that uses a single fiducial to determine the location and orientation of an object on the circuit board, allowing the dispensing unit to be oriented relative to the object for precise dispensing of lines or dots of material, which can be perpendicular, parallel, or in the form of arcs, using a vision system and controller to guide the dispensing unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two fiducials are used to orient the circuit board, then the alignment between the circuit board and dispensing unit is improved, but the complexity of the system increases and the dispensing accuracy for areas not well defined by fiducials deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the orientation information from the traditional two-fiducial system and concentrates it into a single fiducial combined with angular features of the object. Instead of relying on multiple fiducials scattered across the board, the system isolates the critical orientation data to be found in the angular relationship between a single fiducial and the object's features, thereby simplifying the system while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-point (two fiducials) alignment approach to a single-point-with-angle approach. By introducing the angular dimension of the object's features relative to the single fiducial, the system achieves the same orientational information in a more compact and less complex manner, effectively using angular measurement as an additional dimension to replace the need for multiple linear fiducial measurements.
2Device complexity
If traditional fiducial-based alignment is used, then the system structure is simple, but the dispensing accuracy for areas not well defined by fiducials deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the object's angular features as an intermediary element between the fiducial and the dispensing target area. Instead of directly using fiducials to define the dispensing area, the system uses the angular features of the object (such as edges or corners) as a mediating reference that connects the fiducial-based alignment system to the specific dispensing location, thereby improving accuracy for areas not well defined by fiducials alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using the specific angular features of the object (such as particular edges or corners) as localized reference points for alignment. Rather than relying on global fiducial positions, the system exploits the unique angular characteristics at the local level where the object meets the fiducial, enabling precise dispensing at the specific location while maintaining overall system simplicity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a single fiducial with angular features is used, then the dispensing accuracy for undefined areas is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the orientation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual contrast and distinctiveness in the angular features (analogous to color changes in optical detection) to facilitate easy detection. The angular features are designed to be visually distinct from the surrounding object, enabling the vision system to quickly and accurately identify the critical angular points without complex processing, thereby reducing the difficulty of orientation detection while maintaining high dispensing accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
A dispensing system includes a frame, a dispensing unit gantry movably coupled to the frame, and a dispensing unit coupled to the dispensing unit gantry. The dispensing unit further includes a vision system gantry coupled to the frame and a vision system coupled to the vision system gantry. A controller is coupled to the dispensing unit gantry, the dispensing unit, the vision system gantry, and the vision system. The controller is configured to obtain an image of a fiducial provided on the electronic substrate, obtain an image of at least a portion of an object positioned on the electronic substrate, orient the object with respect to the dispensing unit, and perform a dispense operation to secure the object to the electronic substrate. Methods of dispensing material on a substrate are further disclosed.