Dual Conveyor Belt Substrate Transfer Device Cycle Time Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Transfer devices face challenges in shortening cycle time, downsizing, and simplifying their structure to improve practicality, as they often require complex configurations and are limited by single conveyor belt systems that hinder simultaneous processing and new substrate introduction.
Innovation Solution
A substrate transfer device featuring a pair of conveyor belts on guide rails, with a substrate holding and lifting mechanism, and a control system that allows for efficient transfer and processing by supporting the substrate between the belts and enabling simultaneous operation of multiple conveyor belts to reduce cycle time and device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single conveyor belt system is used, then the device structure is simpler, but the cycle time cannot be shortened and productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single conveyor belt system is segmented into multiple independent conveyor belts (first conveyor belt and second conveyor belt) that can operate simultaneously. This segmentation allows different stages of substrate processing to occur in parallel, shortening the overall cycle time while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple conveyor belts are configured to enable continuous processing where substrates can be introduced, processed, and transferred without halting the workflow. The first and second conveyor belts operate continuously in coordination, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous productive action throughout the system.
2Productivity
If multiple conveyor belts are used to enable simultaneous processing, then productivity increases, but the device size and structure become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple conveyor belts are arranged in a spatial configuration that utilizes vertical and lateral dimensions efficiently. The first and second conveyor belts are positioned at different locations and can operate simultaneously without requiring proportional increases in device volume, as they share common support structures and control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If a substrate holding and lifting mechanism is added, then substrate positioning precision is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate holding and lifting mechanism is merged with the conveyor belt system, where the conveyor belts themselves serve as both the transport mechanism and the holding mechanism. The lifting function is integrated into the existing structural framework, achieving precise substrate positioning without adding separate, complex mechanism systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In transfer device 20 of the present invention, first conveyor belt 66 and second conveyor belt 68 are disposed on guide rail 60 which is disposed so as to extend in a circuit substrate conveyance direction. Then, the circuit substrate supported by both the conveyor belts of the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt is held by substrate holding device 52, and work is performed on the held circuit substrate. In the transfer device having such a structure, for example, when the circuit substrate on which an operation has been completed is conveyed out by the second conveyor belt, a new circuit substrate is conveyed into the transfer device by the first conveyor belt. In this way, it is possible to perform printing work on a new circuit substrate at an early stage and shorten a cycle time.