Electronic Component Shuttle for Tray Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electronic device testing apparatus has a limited transfer capacity for DUTs between trays due to the use of a pick-and-place unit, which restricts the efficiency of device handling and testing processes.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device transfer apparatus featuring a conveying unit with holding units on an endless track, allowing for variable spacing and independent movement, along with transfer units that manage device orientation and position changes, enhances the transfer capacity between trays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pick-and-place unit is used to transfer DUTs between trays, then the apparatus structure is simplified, but the transfer capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer apparatus is segmented into multiple independent holding units (first holding unit, second holding unit, third holding unit, fourth holding unit) that can be independently positioned and controlled along the track. Each holding unit can hold and transfer DUTs independently, allowing parallel operations that significantly increase transfer capacity compared to a single pick-and-place unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the transfer system by incorporating an inverted portion in the track that allows holding units to be positioned at different heights (first level and second level). This vertical arrangement enables multiple transfer operations to occur simultaneously at different levels, effectively doubling the transfer capacity without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If holding units are positioned at fixed intervals on the track, then the apparatus structure is simplified, but the adaptability to different transfer requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying unit incorporates a positioning mechanism that enables the holding units to be dynamically repositioned to variable intervals along the track. The first, second, third, and fourth holding units can be independently positioned at different locations, allowing the system to adapt to different transfer requirements, tray configurations, and testing station arrangements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an electronic device transfer apparatus which has an excellent capacity of transferring DUTs between trays.An electronic device transfer apparatus, which transfers DUTs between trays, includes a device conveying unit. The device conveying unit includes a plurality of shuttles which hold the DUTs, an endless first guide rail which guides the shuttles, and first to third feeders which move the shuttles on the first guide rail. The shuttles are movable on the first guide rail over the entire circumference of the rail.