Modular Pick-and-Place Spindles for Lighter, Replaceable Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing heads for pick-and-place machines are heavy, complex, and prone to failure if one spindle or nozzle malfunctions, lacking independent motion control for each spindle and requiring extensive engineering and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A modular spindle system with a theta gear that can be removably attached to a pick-and-place head, featuring independent z-axis and theta motor control, allowing for modular attachment and detachment, and a spindle bank with multiple mount locations for interchangeable spindle modules, enabling flexible configuration and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple spindles and nozzles are located on a dispensing head to reduce assembly time, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing head is segmented into multiple independent spindle assemblies, each capable of independent operation. Each spindle assembly includes its own motor, drive mechanism, and nozzle, allowing them to function as separate units while mounted on a common support structure. This segmentation enables parallel operation for improved productivity while maintaining individual simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing head support structure is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate different types of spindle assemblies. The support structure includes standardized interfaces and positioning features that allow various spindle configurations to be mounted, enabling the system to perform multiple functions while maintaining a consistent base architecture.
2Productivity
If a single dispensing head with multiple spindles is used to reduce assembly time, then productivity is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the dispensing system into separate, independently mounted spindle assemblies, the patent ensures that a failure in one spindle does not propagate to other spindles. Each spindle assembly can be independently monitored, maintained, and replaced without affecting the others, thus improving overall system reliability while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts each spindle assembly as a separate, removable unit from the dispensing head. This allows individual spindles to be taken out for maintenance or replacement without dismantling the entire dispensing head, improving both reliability through easier maintenance and productivity through reduced downtime.
3Device complexity
If traditional dispensing heads are designed with integrated motion control for all spindles, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion control system is segmented into individual control units for each spindle assembly. Each spindle has its own motor and control circuitry, allowing independent programming and control of motion parameters. This segmentation provides operational flexibility while keeping each control unit simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Each spindle assembly is designed with self-contained motion control capabilities, including integrated motors and control electronics. This self-service approach allows each spindle to be controlled independently without requiring complex centralized control, improving ease of operation while maintaining simplicity.
4Productivity
If heavy and large-volume dispensing heads are used to accommodate multiple spindles, then productivity is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing head is segmented into a lightweight support structure that holds multiple separate spindle assemblies. Each spindle assembly is independently mounted on the support structure, allowing for optimized weight distribution. This segmentation enables the head to accommodate multiple spindles for improved productivity while keeping the overall weight manageable through efficient structural design.
Data Source
AI summary
A pick-and-place spindle module comprises: a modular body structure including a first receiving location configured to receive a spindle; a first z-axis motor configured to move a spindle received in the first receiving location in a z-axis; a first theta motor configured to rotate a spindle received in the receiving location; a first motion control chip each attached to the body structure, the first motion control chip configured to control the first z-axis motor and the first theta motor; and a mechanical attachment mechanism, the mechanical attachment mechanism configured to facilitate attachment of the modular body structure to a spindle bank.