Rotatable Loading Stage for Flat Panel Display Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visual inspectors for flat panel display devices have a large footprint and incur 'dead time' due to the need to move the transparent illumination unit for reflective illumination inspections, limiting precision and increasing overall size with larger panels.
Innovation Solution
A visual inspector design with a rotatable loading stage that allows simultaneous reflective and transparent illumination inspections, minimizing the need for moving the transparent illumination unit and integrating both illumination units into a compact structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the transparent illumination unit is moved away from the inspection unit to perform reflective illumination inspection, then the interference with the inclined display panel is prevented, but the dead time increases and the overall footprint enlarges
Solution Approach 1:
The loading stage is made rotatable to dynamically change its orientation between a first predetermined angle for reflective illumination inspection and a second predetermined angle for transparent illumination inspection. This dynamic repositioning allows the same stage to serve both inspection modes without requiring the transparent illumination unit to move, thereby eliminating dead time while preventing interference with the inclined display panel during reflective inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading stage is designed to perform multiple functions: it supports the display panel during both reflective illumination inspection (at first predetermined angle) and transparent illumination inspection (at second predetermined angle). By making the stage rotatable, a single structural element handles what would otherwise require separate positioning systems, reducing overall system footprint and eliminating the need to move the transparent illumination unit.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the transparent illumination unit is moved away from the inspection unit, then the reflective illumination inspection can be performed, but the overall footprint of the visual inspector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable loading stage allows the inspection unit to maintain a compact footprint by dynamically adjusting its angle rather than requiring the transparent illumination unit to be positioned far away. The stage rotates between two angular positions, enabling both inspection modes within a small spatial envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
The design merges the reflective illumination inspection capability and transparent illumination inspection capability into a single integrated inspection unit with a rotatable stage. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate positioning systems and reduces the overall footprint compared to having the transparent illumination unit move away for reflective inspection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the inspection distance is increased for large sized display panels, then the inspection coverage is improved, but the overall footprint increases and luminance limitations are exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable loading stage allows the inspection unit to adapt to different panel sizes by adjusting its orientation angle while maintaining a compact footprint. The dynamic angular adjustment enables the same inspection unit to handle both small and large display panels without requiring increased inspection distance that would enlarge the footprint.
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 overall footprint, eliminates dead time, and enhances the precision of transparent illumination quality inspections by maintaining consistent luminance and reducing the inspection distance.
Implementation Method 1
a loading stage rotatably coupled to the base frame to load a display panel on a front side of the loading stage and to transmit a light therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a reflective illumination unit installed in the upper space of the inspection unit to illuminate the display panel loaded on the front side of the loading stage
Implementation Method 3
a transparent illumination unit coupled to the rear side of the loading stage of the inspection unit to illuminate the display panel loaded on the front side of the loading stage
Data Source
AI summary
A visual inspector for inspecting a flat panel display device and a visual inspecting method using the same are disclosed. The visual inspector includes an inspection unit including a base frame and a loading stage rotatably coupled to the base frame to load a display panel on a front side thereof and to transmit a light to the flat panel device; a reflective illumination unit installed in the upper space of the inspection unit to illuminate the display panel loaded on the front side of the loading stage; and a transparent illumination unit coupled to the rear side of the loading stage of the inspection unit to illuminate the display panel loaded on the front side of the loading stage.