Dual Vacuum Boat for Electronic Component Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boat designs for carrying electronic components suffer from unreliable mechanical holders that cause components to become displaced during transport, especially during handover between processing stations, leading to increased risk of components being misplaced.
Innovation Solution
A boat with a surface featuring holes for vacuum support, equipped with two vacuum inlets connected to separate vacuum generating means, which can provide simultaneous or exclusive vacuum to maintain components in place during loading, transport, and handling, using a combination of first and second vacuum inlets and check valves to manage vacuum flow effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical holders or recesses are used to hold electronic components on the boat during transport, then the boat can transport components, but the components become displaced during transport and handover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical holding system (holders or recesses) with a vacuum-based holding system. The vacuum generating means creates a vacuum through the holes in the boat surface, causing the electronic components to be held by atmospheric pressure differential rather than mechanical contact. This substitution eliminates the displacement issues associated with mechanical holders during transport and handover operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using a vacuum generating means connected to the boat through a vacuum inlet. The vacuum system creates negative pressure through the holes in the boat surface, allowing atmospheric pressure to hold the components firmly in place during transport. This pneumatic holding mechanism provides reliable component retention without the displacement problems of mechanical systems.
2Device complexity
If a single vacuum inlet is used to provide vacuum to the holes, then the system is simple, but the vacuum may be insufficient during transport and handover operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vacuum system into two separate vacuum inlets (first vacuum inlet and second vacuum inlet), each capable of being connected to vacuum generating means. This segmentation allows the system to provide vacuum during different operational phases (loading and transport) through different inlets, ensuring reliable component retention while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic vacuum system where the first and second vacuum inlets can be selectively connected to vacuum generating means based on operational requirements. During loading, the first vacuum inlet is connected; during transport, the second vacuum inlet is connected. This dynamic switching ensures optimal vacuum provision for each operational phase, enhancing component retention reliability without requiring both inlets to be permanently connected.
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
The dual vacuum system ensures reliable retention and positioning of electronic components throughout the transport and handling processes, reducing the risk of displacement and improving handling accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the vacuum generating means generates a vacuum at the holes. The vacuum holds the electronic components on the surface of the boat during loading
Data Source
AI summary
According to the invention, there is provided a boat which comprises, a surface on which a plurality of electronic components can be supported, the surface having a plurality holes defined therein through which a vacuum can be passed to hold components on the surface; and a first vacuum inlet which is in fluid communication with the plurality of holes, wherein the first vacuum inlet can be fluidly connected to a first vacuum generating means so that the first vacuum generating means can provide a vacuum at the plurality of holes; a second vacuum inlet which is in fluid communication with the same plurality of holes with which the first vacuum inlet is in fluid communication with, wherein the second vacuum inlet can be fluidly connected to a second vacuum generating means so that the second vacuum generating means can provide a vacuum at the plurality of holes. There is further provided a corresponding method of handling electrical components using the boat and a corresponding component handling assembly which comprises one or more boats.