PCB Loading Apparatus with Positioning Holes for Stable Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PCB inspection systems face inefficiencies due to variable PCB positioning during loading, requiring frequent alignment and compromising measurement reliability due to reliance on vacuum suction for holding the PCB stack.
Innovation Solution
A loading apparatus with a movable support unit, guide unit, and cover, where the guide unit has a depression portion and protrusions on the cover to securely hold the PCB stack in a consistent position, eliminating the need for additional alignment and ensuring stable transfer to the inspection probe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum suction force is used to hold the PCB stack, then the PCB stack can be transferred, but the position of the PCB stack may change during transfer, compromising measurement reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The holding function is segmented between the vacuum chuck (for initial holding) and the PCB holder with positioning holes (for precise positioning). The PCB holder is divided into multiple positioning holes that correspond to vacuum holes, allowing the PCB to be held at specific positions rather than relying solely on vacuum suction.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB stack itself serves to position the PCB holder through its corners engaging with the positioning holes. The PCB's own geometry is utilized to achieve accurate positioning without requiring external alignment mechanisms or additional time-consuming alignment operations.
2Measurement precision
If alignment is performed for each PCB stack loading, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but inspection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Positioning holes are pre-configured in the PCB holder at specific locations corresponding to the PCB corners and vacuum holes. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for real-time alignment during each loading operation, as the PCB automatically positions itself when placed on the holder.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB stack automatically positions itself by having its corners engage with the pre-configured positioning holes. This self-positioning mechanism maintains measurement precision without requiring external alignment operations, thereby improving inspection speed.
3Device complexity
If the PCB stack is held only by vacuum suction, then the holding mechanism is simple, but the position stability during transfer is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The holding mechanism is segmented into two functional components: the vacuum chuck provides suction force through multiple vacuum holes, while the PCB holder with positioning holes provides mechanical positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function without increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum chuck and PCB holder are merged into an integrated assembly where vacuum holes align with positioning holes. This combination allows the system to achieve both simple vacuum-based holding and stable mechanical positioning simultaneously, improving position stability without significantly increasing device complexity.
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 solution reduces inspection time and enhances measurement reliability by maintaining the PCB stack's initial position during transfer, minimizing errors and ensuring accurate thickness measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum suction force generated from the vacuum chuck 102 is applied to the PCB stack P through the vacuum holes 105 and the fixing holes 115 to hold the PCB stack P on the PCB holder 110
Data Source
AI summary
A loading apparatus for loading a printed circuit board (PCB) stack including one or more PCB layers and transferring the PCB stack to an inspection probe includes a movable support unit, a guide unit and a cover. The guide unit is provided on the support unit and defines a depression portion in which the PCB stack is mounted. The cover is configured to cover the depression portion of the guide unit when closed, where the cover has multiple protrusions extending from a lower surface, which press the PCB stack into the depression portion when the cover is closed.