Ring Frame Suction Holding with Air-Layer Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ring frame holding mechanisms face difficulties in positioning the ring frame due to frictional forces from suction cups, leading to hindered horizontal movement and potential improper positioning.
Innovation Solution
A ring frame holding mechanism that uses flexible suction cups with a vacuum and air supply system to create an air layer, allowing the ring frame to float and be easily positioned, and then applies suction to securely hold it in place, utilizing a cylindrical bellows to support the suction cup and facilitate firm attachment of the ring frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suction cups are used to hold the ring frame, then the ring frame can be reliably held and damage to its lower surface is prevented, but frictional force between the suction cups and ring frame hinders horizontal movement, causing difficulty in positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cups are designed with flexible material that allows them to dynamically adapt between two states: contacting the ring frame for reliable holding, and separating from it for easy positioning. The flexible material enables the suction cups to deform and adjust their contact state based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction force parameter is changed dynamically by controlling the vacuum source. By adjusting the vacuum level, the suction cups can transition between strong adhesion (for holding) and minimal adhesion (for positioning), thereby resolving the contradiction between holding reliability and positioning ease.
2Ease of operation
If air is discharged from suction cups to float the ring frame for easy positioning, then horizontal movement is facilitated, but air flows from multiple suction cups may become unbalanced, making it difficult to float the ring frame over all suction cups
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cups are made of flexible material that can deform to accommodate slight imbalances in air discharge. This flexibility allows the suction cups to adjust their shape and position, maintaining stable floating of the ring frame even when air flows from multiple suction cups are not perfectly balanced.
3Reliability
If the upper end of the suction cup projects upward from the table surface, then the suction cup can effectively hold the ring frame, but it may interfere with other operations on the table surface
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup's upper end position is made dynamic through the recess structure. When not in use, the suction cup retracts into the recess, keeping the table surface clear. When needed, it projects upward to perform its holding function, thus resolving the contradiction between holding effectiveness and table surface clearance.
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 easy and precise positioning of the ring frame, reducing the occurrence of improper positioning and allowing for efficient attachment of dicing tape by creating a non-contact state between the ring frame and suction cup, facilitating horizontal movement and secure suction.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source for applying a vacuum to the suction cup
Implementation Method 2
an air layer is formed between the upper surface of the table and the lower surface of the ring frame to thereby bring the ring frame and the upper end of the suction cup into a non-contact state
Data Source
AI summary
A ring frame holding mechanism holds under suction a lower surface of a ring frame when the ring frame is set at a target position, by using a positioning unit. In positioning the ring frame, air is discharged through a suction cup in a table to thereby form an air layer between the upper surface of the table and the lower surface of the ring frame. This air layer brings the ring frame and the suction cup into a noncontact state and also depresses the suction cup downward so that the upper end of the suction cup becomes flush with the table. Accordingly, the ring frame can be floated over the suction cup, so that the ring frame can be easily moved horizontally. That is, the ring frame can be easily set to the target position and the occurrence of improper positioning can be suppressed.