Variable Spacing Picker Assembly Using Rotating Cam Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing picker assemblies for integrated circuit units are costly, prone to maintenance issues, and inefficient in accommodating varying IC unit spacings, leading to increased production costs and potential damage due to complex mechanisms and high friction.
Innovation Solution
A picker assembly with variable spacing provided by rotating cam plates or belts, allowing for adjustable picker positions with reduced complexity and cost, using cam plates or belts with proprietary gear arrangements and cam-driven adjustments for precise control and lower maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a threaded rod is used to adjust picker spacing, then the spacing can be varied, but the manufacturing cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded rod is segmented into multiple independent threaded portions, each corresponding to a specific picker position. This allows each portion to be manufactured and tested independently, reducing the complexity and cost of manufacturing the entire rod while maintaining the ability to adjust picker spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention treats the threaded rod as a replaceable, relatively simple component rather than a permanent, complex fixture. By designing it with standardized threaded portions that can be easily manufactured and replaced if damaged, the system reduces long-term costs despite the initial manufacturing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a threaded rod is used for picker spacing adjustment, then spacing variability is achieved, but the risk of thread damage and replacement costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the threaded rod into separate threaded portions for different pickers, the invention isolates potential damage to individual segments. If one thread portion is damaged by grit or debris, only that specific portion needs replacement rather than the entire rod, improving system reliability and reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The design anticipates potential thread damage from environmental factors like grit in the sawing process. By creating a modular threaded structure where individual portions can be replaced, the system cushions against the impact of thread damage on overall system reliability and operational costs.
3Reliability
If complex picker assembly arrangements are used to engage IC units, then engagement effectiveness is improved, but the cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The picker assembly uses a standardized threaded rod design that can serve multiple pickers simultaneously and be applied to different substrate types. This universal approach reduces the need for complex, custom-designed engagement mechanisms for each specific application, lowering both initial cost and maintenance requirements while maintaining reliable IC unit engagement.
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 significantly reduces production costs, minimizes maintenance, and enhances precision in IC unit placement, reducing the risk of damage and friction while accommodating varying IC unit spacings efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a shaft having a plurality of cam plates, said cam plates co-axial with said shaft and having a variable thickness; said cam plates in engagement with said pickers and positioned in interstitial spaces between said pickers; wherein the selective variability in spacing is provided by rotation of the shaft such that thickness variation of the cam plates move the respective pickers along an axis parallel to the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A picker assembly includes a plurality of pickers in selective variable spaced relation, a shaft having a plurality of cam plates, the cam plates co-axial with said shaft and having a variable thickness. The cam plates are in engagement with the pickers and positioned in interstitial spaces between the pickers. The selective variability in spacing is provided by rotation of the shaft such that thickness variation of the cam plates move the respective pickers along an axis parallel to the shaft.