Ferromagnetic Test Device for Pick and Place Accuracy Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for establishing and verifying the accuracy of pick and place machines are time-consuming and prone to contamination due to the use of double-sided tape, which affects the placement surface quality and requires frequent replacement.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained test device with a surface featuring a ferromagnetic layer and vacuum holding force that exceeds magnetic attraction, allowing components to be placed and verified without adhesives, enabling automated and contamination-free accuracy testing within the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If double-sided tape is used for component attachment during accuracy verification, then components can be held on the placement surface, but the tape becomes contaminated and requires frequent removal and replacement, increasing time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical adhesive system (double-sided tape) with a magnetic field-based holding system. The test device incorporates a ferromagnetic layer that generates magnetic attraction forces to hold components during placement verification, eliminating the need for physical tape attachment and subsequent manual removal and replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental holding mechanism from chemical adhesion (tape) to magnetic attraction. By utilizing the magnetic properties of the ferromagnetic layer, the system achieves component retention through magnetic force parameters rather than adhesive properties, enabling non-contact holding that doesn't degrade or contaminate.
2Measurement precision
If double-sided tape is applied to the precision glass board, then components can be placed and verified, but glass shards from slug removal contaminate the board for subsequent verification processes
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic holding system replaces the mechanical slug attachment method that required utility knife removal. Components are held by magnetic attraction during placement and verification, and can be removed without mechanical cutting, thereby eliminating glass shard generation and contamination of the precision surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferromagnetic layer acts as an intermediary between the placement surface and the components. It provides the holding force through magnetic fields without requiring direct mechanical contact or adhesive application to the precision glass board itself, thus protecting the board from contamination.
3Measurement precision
If manual tape application and board cleaning procedures are implemented, then accuracy verification can be performed, but operator intervention increases process complexity and time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic test device is designed to be self-contained and reusable. The ferromagnetic layer inherently maintains its holding capability without requiring manual intervention for tape replacement or board cleaning. The system serves itself by maintaining magnetic properties across multiple verification cycles without degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The test device with the ferromagnetic layer serves multiple functions: it provides component holding during placement, maintains components in position during verification, and can be reused indefinitely without maintenance. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate tape application and board cleaning processes.
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 solution significantly reduces the time required for accuracy testing and eliminates contamination issues, allowing for efficient and precise verification of pick and place machine accuracy without operator intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a force of magnetic attraction between the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element after the component is placed on the surface
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum holding force of the pick and place nozzle when holding the component
Data Source
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AI summary
A test device is disclosed for verifying the accuracy of a pick and place process. The test device includes a surface configured to receive components, and a ferromagnetic layer located under the surface. A system is further disclosed including the test device and a plurality of components each including a magnetic element, the plurality of components configured to be received by a plurality of pockets of the test device. A method of picking and placing a component onto the test device is further disclosed.