Probe Card Handling Carriage with Movable Drawer and Support Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The semiconductor fabrication line faces challenges in transferring heavy loads like probe cards due to limited and complex moving spaces, requiring a carriage that can navigate through narrow paths and uneven structures while supporting various probe card standards.
Innovation Solution
A probe card handling carriage with a movable drawer unit, a transfer robot, and a support device that includes a reverse prevention mechanism, fall prevention unit, and a drive system to ensure safe and versatile transfer of probe cards across different environments, accommodating various dimensions and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a specialized carriage is used to transfer heavy probe cards, then the worker burden is reduced and transfer capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage is divided into a main body and a separately movable drawer unit. The drawer unit can be extended and retracted independently, allowing the carriage to adapt to different space constraints while maintaining the heavy load transfer capability. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity by allowing modular operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer unit is designed to be dynamically movable forward and backward with respect to the main body. This dynamic configuration allows the carriage to adjust its footprint in confined spaces while maintaining stability during probe card transfer operations, balancing operational ease with structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the carriage is designed to handle various probe card standards, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage is designed with universal capabilities to handle various probe card standards through its extendable drawer unit and adjustable support device. The same basic structure serves multiple functions by accommodating different probe card dimensions and configurations, improving adaptability without requiring multiple specialized carriages.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer unit's movable configuration allows the carriage to dynamically adapt to different probe card sizes and standards. The support device can be positioned and secured in various configurations to accommodate different probe card dimensions, enabling a single carriage to serve multiple purposes.
3Length of moving object
If the drawer unit is extended to reach distant locations, then transfer range is improved, but the risk of the main body falling over increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed to counteract the tipping moment generated by the extended drawer unit before instability occurs. When the drawer unit is extended, the support device automatically engages to provide opposing support, preventing the main body from falling over. This preliminary anti-action ensures stability throughout the full transfer range.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device introduces a vertical support dimension to counterbalance the horizontal extension of the drawer unit. By providing support in the vertical dimension, the system stabilizes the main body against the tipping moment created by the extended drawer, allowing greater transfer range without compromising stability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the support device is made movable to accommodate uneven spaces, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed with movable components that can dynamically adjust to accommodate uneven working spaces. The device can be positioned and secured in various configurations depending on the space constraints, allowing the carriage to operate in diverse environments without requiring multiple specialized designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the operating conditions. When the drawer unit is extended or when uneven spaces are detected, the support device self-activates to provide necessary support. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex manual intervention while maintaining adaptability to various working environments.
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
Enables safe and efficient transfer of probe cards of different standards and dimensions, preventing the carriage from falling and allowing operation in confined and uneven spaces, enhancing safety and operational convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a ratchet operated in connection with the pinion, and a pawl to restrict rotation of the ratchet such that the ratchet is rotated only in one direction
Implementation Method 2
a pinion installed on the support device, engaged with the rack and rotated according to upward and downward movement of the support device
Data Source
AI summary
A probe card handling carriage is applicable to various working environments. The probe card handling carriage includes a main body provided to be travelable on the ground, a drawer unit provided to be movable in a forward and backward direction with respect to the main body, and a transfer robot installed on the drawer unit to transfer a probe card.