Electromagnet Carrying Fixture for Stable Mask Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the display panel manufacturing process, the inconsistent levelness of the internal ground within exposure machines causes transport equipment to shake, leading to downtime and reduced throughput due to unsensed movements during mask handling by robot arms.

Innovation Solution

A carrying device equipped with an electromagnet fixing module, comprising multiple sub-modules and telescopic arms, is used to securely attach to the exposure machine's guiding rails, preventing shaking and ensuring stable operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If foot brakes are used to fix the transport equipment, then the equipment can be held stationary, but the equipment shakes when the ground levelness is inconsistent causing suspension state of brakes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidequipment stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical foot brake system with an electromagnet-based fixing system. The electromagnet uses magnetic attraction force to hold the carrying device firmly against the guiding rail, eliminating the suspension state problem caused by inconsistent ground levelness that plagues mechanical brake systems. This substitution provides more reliable and stable fixing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fixing mechanism from mechanical friction-based (foot brakes) to magnetic field-based (electromagnets). By changing the physical parameter of the fixing force from friction to magnetic attraction, the system overcomes the limitation of mechanical brakes on uneven surfaces and achieves consistent fixing reliability regardless of ground levelness variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If foot brakes are used to prevent shaking, then the equipment can be held stationary, but slight movements occur when robot arm picks or places mask that sensors cannot detect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnet system provides continuous magnetic holding force that prevents micro-movements during mask handling operations. Unlike foot brakes that may slip or create gaps, the magnetic field maintains constant contact pressure, eliminating undetected position shifts that affect manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing structure uses a curved surface design where the electromagnet presses the carrying device against the curved guiding rail. This curved contact surface distributes the holding force more evenly and prevents point-contact slippage, thereby reducing undetected movements and improving positioning precision during mask operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If foot brakes are used to fix the transport equipment, then the equipment can be held stationary, but downtime occurs when sensor cannot sense the slight movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidthroughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing foot brakes with electromagnets, the system eliminates the suspension state problem that causes undetected movements and subsequent downtime. The electromagnet provides consistent holding force that prevents micro-movements, ensuring sensor accuracy and avoiding exposure machine downtime, thereby maintaining high throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnet system provides continuous and stable fixing during the entire mask handling process, preventing any interruptions or downtime. By maintaining reliable fixation without suspension states, the system ensures continuous operation of the exposure machine, maximizing productivity and throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 electromagnet fixing module effectively prevents the carrying device from shaking, thereby reducing downtime and improving the throughput of the exposure machine by ensuring accurate and stable mask handling.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnet fixing module disposed on the body; wherein the electromagnet fixing module is configured to fix the carrying device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction force: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS11306788B2Carrying device and fixing method of carrying device

Publication Date: 2022.04.19 WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A carrying device and, a fixing method of a carrying device are provided. The carrying device includes a body and an electromagnet fixing module disposed on the body; wherein the electromagnet fixing module is configured to fix the carrying device. The present application uses the electromagnet fixing module to fix the carrying device, which can avoid downtime of an exposure machine caused by shaking of the carrying device when a robot arm of the exposure machine picks or places the mask form the carrying device so as to improve throughput.