PNP Tool Head with Movable Pick-Up Tip for VCM Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pick-and-place machines are limited in speed due to mechanical constraints and component sensitivity, particularly damaging camera module components with movable barrels like VCM actuators during high-speed operations.
Innovation Solution
A PNP apparatus with a robotic arm and tool head featuring a pick-up tip that can move between extended and retracted positions, applying bonding pressure only to non-sensitive areas and using vacuum passageways to handle sensitive components, minimizing force on the lens barrel during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the PNP machine operates at high speed to increase productivity, then the assembly speed increases, but the lens barrel may damage the VCM motor actuator due to acceleration forces
Solution Approach 1:
The tool head is divided into two distinct functional zones: a first area with suction cups for bonding to the housing, and a second area with a pick-up tip for engaging the lens barrel. This segmentation allows independent control of forces applied to different components, enabling high-speed operation while protecting the VCM actuator through selective engagement only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the tool head have different functional properties: the first area provides bonding force to the housing, while the second area provides selective engagement force to the lens barrel. This local differentiation ensures that acceleration forces are applied only when the pick-up tip is actively engaged, preventing damage during high-speed movement while maintaining bonding capability.
2Productivity
If the robotic arm moves quickly to increase units per hour, then productivity improves, but component sensitivity becomes a limiting factor
Solution Approach 1:
The pick-up tip is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions, allowing dynamic engagement and disengagement from the lens barrel. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to component sensitivity requirements while maintaining high-speed operation capability, as the tip can be retracted during acceleration phases and extended only when precise positioning is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pick-up tip acts as an intermediary mechanism between the robotic arm and the lens barrel, providing controlled force transmission. By using this intermediate element with selective engagement capability, the system can transmit necessary forces for precise placement while minimizing harmful acceleration forces, thereby maintaining both high productivity and component reliability.
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 design reduces the risk of damage to VCM actuators and allows for faster assembly without compromising component integrity, enhancing the efficiency and robustness of the pick-and-place process.
Implementation Method 1
The pick-up tip defines at least one vacuum passageway therethrough to couple a vacuum source to the second area of the electronic device
Implementation Method 2
The PNP tool head may comprise a body configured to apply bonding pressure to a first area of an electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
A PNP apparatus may include a robotic arm, and a PNP tool head carried by the robotic arm. The PNP tool head may include a body configured to apply bonding pressure to a first area of an electronic device, and a pick-up tip movable between an extended position and a retracted position relative to the body as the pick-up tip rests against a second area of the electronic device. The pick-up tip may define a vacuum passageway therethrough to couple a vacuum source to the second area of the electronic device.