PCB Inspection Apparatus with Side-Positioned Optical Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional board inspection apparatuses require significant time and space to inspect printed circuit boards (PCBs), making them inefficient for rapid and compact inspection processes.
Innovation Solution
The inspection apparatus includes a work stage part with multiple parallel work stages for independent board inspection, an optical module with a projecting part that projects grating pattern light, and an optical module moving part to optimize the optical path, allowing for efficient use of space and reduced inspection time by moving the optical module and image capturing part to a side position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional board inspection apparatus is used, then inspection can be performed, but significant time and large workspace are required
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection apparatus is divided into multiple work stages (first work stage, second work stage) that operate in parallel. Each work stage has its own optical module and can independently inspect boards, allowing simultaneous multi-board inspection which dramatically reduces total inspection time and increases productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical module is moved from a conventional position to a side position relative to the board, changing the spatial dimension of inspection. This side-positioned optical module inspects boards by capturing images from the side, reducing the workspace footprint while maintaining inspection capability
2Productivity
If conventional board inspection apparatus is used, then inspection can be performed, but large workspace is required
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module is repositioned to a side position relative to the board rather than being positioned above it. This dimensional change allows the inspection system to operate in a more compact footprint, reducing the required workspace area while maintaining inspection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is segmented into multiple independent work stages that can operate in parallel. This segmentation allows efficient utilization of the reduced workspace area by distributing inspection tasks across multiple compact stations rather than requiring one large inspection area
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
This configuration enables rapid and space-efficient inspection of PCBs by allowing simultaneous inspection of multiple boards and reducing the time required for each inspection, while maintaining the stability and precision of the optical module.
Implementation Method 1
a projecting part disposed over the board to project grating pattern light to the board
Implementation Method 2
an image capturing part disposed at a side portion of the projecting part to receive the grating pattern light upwardly reflected by the board and capture a reflection image
Implementation Method 3
a first optical path changing part changing a path of the grating pattern light upwardly reflected by the board and guiding the grating pattern light to the image capturing part so that the grating pattern light is downwardly incident into the image capturing part
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection apparatus includes a work stage part, an optical module, and an optical module moving part. The work stage part receives a board. The work stage part includes work stages disposed in parallel. The optical module includes a projecting part disposed over the board, an image capturing part disposed at a side portion of the projecting part to receive the grating pattern light and capture a reflection image, and an optical path changing part changing a path of the grating pattern light and guiding the grating pattern light to the image capturing part so that the grating pattern light is downwardly incident into the image capturing part. The optical module moving part is disposed over and coupled to the optical module to move the optical module. Thus, time may be reduced and a space may be secured, required for inspecting a board.