Placement Apparatus Camera Superimposition Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current placement technologies for electronic and optoelectronic components on substrates face challenges in achieving high positioning accuracy and efficiency, with existing methods being complex and not easily reproducible for precise alignment and assembly.

Innovation Solution

A placement device equipped with camera systems for image recording and processing, along with a position evaluation device to create an output data set for visualizing the expected placement result, using correction means for optical and mechanical errors, and adjustment mechanisms for precise alignment and assembly, allowing for real-time adjustments and automatic positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If optical superimposition of images is used for precise positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses camera systems to create optical copies (images) of the component and substrate, then superimposes these copies to achieve precise positioning. Instead of directly manipulating physical objects for alignment, the system works with visual representations, simplifying the alignment process while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of cameras, image processing units, and display devices that mediate between the physical components and the positioning operation. This intermediary optical system enables precise alignment without requiring direct mechanical manipulation, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple camera systems are used for simultaneous imaging, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the imaging task into multiple segments by using separate camera systems for different views (e.g., one camera for the component, another for the substrate). Each camera captures specific information that, when combined through superimposition, provides complete alignment data. This segmentation allows accurate positioning while keeping each individual camera system relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If real-time image processing and display is implemented, then positioning speed is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning speedVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous real-time image capture, processing, and display operations. The camera systems continuously capture images, the processing unit continuously generates superimposed images, and the display continuously shows the alignment status. This continuous operation eliminates idle time between positioning steps, improving speed while the automated nature of the continuous process manages the complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a feedback loop where the superimposed images provide real-time visual feedback to the operator about alignment status. This feedback mechanism enables rapid adjustment and positioning decisions, improving positioning speed. The automated image processing and display systems handle the complexity of real-time operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2989872B1Placement apparatus and placement method
Publication Date: 2020.08.12 FINETECH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2989872B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2989872B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2989872B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a placement apparatus for the positionally accurate alignment and/or fitting of a first placement partner with at least one second placement partner complementary thereto, wherein the placement apparatus has at least one camera apparatus (31, 32) for recording separate images (33, 35) of the first placement partner (1) or of a holding apparatus for the first placement partner (1) and of the at least one second placement partner (2) or of a holding apparatus (3) for the at least one second placement partner (2) and a position evaluation apparatus (50) for creating an output data record (40) from processing of the images (33, 35), wherein the output data record (40) has the visual image of the expected placement result. The invention also relates to a placement method.