Rotating Gripper for Automated Probe Card Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation of probe cards, which can weigh up to 25 kg and come in various types, poses challenges as they require manual handling by an operator, and there is a limitation in transporting multiple cards without suitable equipment, especially when no operator is present.
Innovation Solution
A gripper system with a frame, driving unit, and gripper portions, including inner and outer gripper portions, that move radially and rotate to grip and transport probe cards with handles or without, using a rotating plate and hinges to adapt to different types of probe cards, allowing for automated handling and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling by operator is used to transport probe cards, then probe cards can be transported, but operator intervention is required and it is difficult to hold and transport probe cards directly due to weight up to 25 kg
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated gripper system that uses a driving unit (motor or actuator) to generate gripping force. The gripper portions are mechanically connected to the driving unit through a moving block and guide portion, eliminating the need for operator intervention while handling probe cards weighing up to 25 kg.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper system is designed to autonomously grip and transport probe cards without requiring operator assistance. The driving unit automatically actuates the gripper portions to engage with the probe card, and the system self-regulates the gripping force and movement, enabling unattended operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If equipment suitable for each probe card is required to transport various types of probe cards, then various probe cards can be transported, but multiple pieces of equipment are needed and it cannot be transported with one facility
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is designed with both inner and outer gripper portions that can adapt to different probe card types. The outer gripper portion can grip probe cards with handles, while the inner gripper portion can grip probe cards without handles or at different positions. This universal design allows a single gripper to handle various probe card types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized transport facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper portions are mechanically designed to move and adjust dynamically. The outer gripper portion can rotate downward relative to the moving block, and the gripper portions can move radially inward and outward along the guide portion. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the gripper to adapt its gripping configuration to match different probe card types and geometries.
3Adaptability or versatility
If outer gripper portion is rotatably connected to moving block, then outer gripper portion can rotate downward to grip probe cards with handles, but structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is segmented into distinct functional components: the moving block, the outer gripper portion, the inner gripper portion, and the guide portion. The outer gripper portion is separated and rotatably connected to the moving block, allowing independent rotation and gripping action. This segmentation enables the rotating outer gripper to handle probe cards with handles while keeping the overall structure modular and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A gripper gripping a plurality of types of probe cards is provided. The gripper includes a frame, a driving unit connected to the frame, and a plurality of gripper portions connected to the driving unit and including an inner gripper portion and an outer gripper portion. The gripper portions include a moving block moving in a radial direction as the driving unit is driven, and the inner gripper portion and the outer gripper portion connected to the moving block. The outer gripper portion is rotatably connected to the moving block, and is configured such that the outer gripper portion rotates downward with respect to the moving block as the moving block moves in a radial outward direction.