Multi-Pipette Placement Head Vacuum Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional component placement systems face challenges in simplicity of design, performance, speed of operation, and equipment cost of ownership, particularly in efficiently managing multiple components and vacuum control.

Innovation Solution

A component placement system featuring a placement head with multiple pipettes, each equipped with a control module and a vacuum source for holding components, and a positive fluid source for releasing components using positive pressure, allowing for modular and efficient component placement with reduced valve requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional vacuum control systems are used with multiple pipettes, then each pipette can hold components, but the system requires numerous valves and complex vacuum control for each individual pipette

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent holding capabilityVSAvoidvalve and control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual vacuum control systems into a single centralized vacuum source that serves all pipettes simultaneously. Instead of having separate vacuum controls for each pipette, one vacuum source provides vacuum to multiple pipettes through a distribution system, dramatically reducing the number of valves and control components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single vacuum source performs multiple functions by serving all pipettes in the array. This universal vacuum supply system replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized vacuum controls, each dedicated to a single pipette, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If individual vacuum release is implemented for each pipette, then components can be released selectively, but the system requires complex valve control for each pipette

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective component releaseVSAvoidvalve control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the vacuum distribution system into individual controllable channels for each pipette. While there is only one vacuum source, each pipette receives vacuum through its own dedicated channel or pathway, allowing independent control of vacuum release for each pipette without requiring individual vacuum sources or complex multi-valve systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses an intermediary distribution mechanism that sits between the single vacuum source and multiple pipettes. This intermediary structure enables selective vacuum release to individual pipettes while maintaining a simple upstream vacuum source, acting as a mediator that provides both centralization and individual control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If multiple vacuum sources are used for multiple pipettes, then each pipette can be controlled independently, but the equipment cost and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent pipette controlVSAvoidequipment cost and system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple vacuum sources into a single centralized vacuum source that serves all pipettes. This consolidation maintains independent control capability for each pipette through the distribution system while dramatically reducing equipment costs and system complexity compared to using multiple separate vacuum sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system enables efficient placement of multiple components by maintaining vacuum on all pipettes while selectively releasing components using positive pressure, enhancing speed and reducing equipment costs through modular design and minimized valve usage.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum source for providing vacuum to each of the plurality of pipettes for holding a component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

a positive fluid source for selectively providing a positive fluid pressure for releasing the component from a respective one of the plurality of pipettes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPositive fluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS20230156992A1Component placement systems, multi-pipette placement heads, and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2023.05.18 KULICKE & SOFFA NETHERLANDS BV

AI summary

A component placement system is provided. The component placement system includes a placement head including a plurality of pipettes. Each of the plurality of pipettes is configured to pick and place components. The component placement system also includes a vacuum source for providing vacuum to each of the plurality of pipettes for holding a component. The component placement system also includes a positive fluid source for selectively providing a positive fluid pressure for releasing the component from a respective one of the plurality of pipettes.