Dispensing Unit Precision Check Using Capacitive Material Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current verification options for dosing precision in dispensing devices used in SMT production lines are limited, leading to needle positioning errors, incorrect material application direction, and quantity fluctuations, which can result in defects and damage to printed circuit boards.

Innovation Solution

A method and measuring unit utilizing a capacitive sensor to create an uncompressed raw image of the applied material, comparing it to a target state to determine deviations, and using a control unit to evaluate and correct systematic errors, with optional dynamic and static evaluation capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current verification options are used for dosing precision, then manufacturing process continues, but needle positioning errors and material application errors occur leading to defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosing precisionVSAvoidneedle positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring unit is integrated into the dispensing device before actual production, allowing precision verification and error detection to occur in advance. The sensor captures images of applied material during a measurement phase, enabling systematic errors to be identified and corrected before they cause defects in real manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system captures images of applied material, compares actual application against target patterns, and provides feedback on deviations. This feedback mechanism enables continuous improvement of dosing precision by identifying and correcting systematic errors in needle positioning and material application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If no precision verification is performed, then manufacturing speed is maintained, but material application direction errors and quantity fluctuations cause defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing speedVSAvoidmaterial application precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The precision measurement and evaluation is performed as a preliminary step before full-scale production. By verifying dosing precision in advance and correcting systematic errors, the system ensures high manufacturing precision during actual production without compromising productivity, as corrections are made beforehand rather than during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If systematic errors are not corrected, then device operation continues, but needle positioning errors lead to unwanted media deposits and PCB damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operation continuityVSAvoidunwanted media deposits and PCB damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurement and error detection before production runs. By identifying systematic errors in needle positioning and material application during the measurement phase, the system can correct these errors before they result in harmful effects such as unwanted media deposits or PCB damage during actual manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring unit provides feedback on systematic errors through image comparison and deviation analysis. This feedback enables operators to adjust and correct positioning errors before they cause harmful effects, maintaining safe operation while allowing continuous device usage.

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

Provides precise and automated determination of dosing precision, enabling detection and correction of errors, ensuring high-quality material application and reducing defects in SMT production.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor unit (24), in particular a capacitive sensor, by which a recording, in particular in the form of an uncompressed raw image, of at least a partial area of the application surface (22) can be created

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4712715A1Method for determining the precision of an output device of a production plant, measuring unit for determining a precision and computer program
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 SIEMENS AG
  • EP4712715A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4712715A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4712715A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining the precession of an output device (12) of a manufacturing plant (16). The invention further relates to a measuring unit (10) for determining precession and a computer program.