Manipulator Arm Suction Plate Matrix for Flexible Substrate Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the manufacturing of Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs), manipulators with limited vacuum suction pads cause local deformation of flexible substrates due to the need for high suction force, leading to increased deformation and defects during picking and placing.
Innovation Solution
A manipulator arm with a suction plate featuring a matrix of uniformly distributed vacuum suction holes, made of anti-static material, supported by a carbon fiber arm body, which applies a small vacuum pressure to reduce deformation by distributing the suction force evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a limited number of vacuum suction pads are used, then the manipulator structure remains simple, but local deformation of the flexible substrate occurs due to high suction force concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The suction plate is divided into multiple vacuum suction holes (e.g., 9 holes or more) arranged in a matrix pattern, transforming a single concentrated suction point into multiple distributed suction points. This segmentation distributes the suction force across the substrate surface, reducing local deformation while maintaining effective picking and placing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum suction holes are strategically positioned with specific spacing (e.g., 5mm-10mm between adjacent holes) to create uniform local suction zones across the substrate. Each hole provides localized gentle suction, and the collective effect achieves stable substrate holding without concentrated force that causes deformation.
2Force
If vacuum suction pads apply high suction force, then the substrate can be securely held, but local and overall deformation of the substrate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The total suction force is segmented across multiple vacuum holes, so each individual hole applies only a small portion of the total force. This distributed force application secures the substrate effectively while preventing local deformation that would occur with concentrated high force from fewer pads.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction force is distributed not only across multiple holes but also arranged in a matrix pattern covering a larger area of the substrate. This two-dimensional distribution pattern ensures uniform force application across the substrate surface, preventing both local and overall deformation.
3Device complexity
If point-based suction from vacuum pads is used, then the manipulator design is simple, but the whole flexible substrate deforms greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The single point-based suction is segmented into multiple suction holes arranged in a matrix, transforming the suction pattern from concentrated to distributed. This segmentation allows the substrate to be held securely while maintaining its overall shape, preventing the great deformation that occurs with point-based suction.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum suction holes are uniformly distributed in a matrix pattern with consistent spacing, creating homogeneous suction force distribution across the substrate surface. This uniform distribution prevents localized deformation and maintains the overall shape stability of the flexible substrate during manipulation.
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 minimizes local and overall deformation of flexible substrates, reducing defects and enhancing product yield by evenly distributing the suction force and providing anti-static support.
Implementation Method 1
a suction plate for sucking the to-be-carried object, wherein the suction plate is provided with a plurality of vacuum suction holes
Implementation Method 2
the suction plate is an anti-static plate made of an anti-static material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a manipulator arm, a manipulator and a carrying device. The manipulator arm includes at least one arm body for carrying a to-be-carried object, wherein the arm body is provided with a suction plate for sucking the to-be-carried object, and the suction plate is provided with a plurality of vacuum suction holes.