Side-docking Test Handler Tray Posture Change Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side-docking type test handlers face inefficiencies due to additional steps and increased apparatus size caused by transferring test trays in a vertical state, which prolong processing time and increase the risk of semiconductor device displacement.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mechanism to change the test tray posture from horizontal to vertical within the soak or desoak chamber, using descending and ascending mechanisms with endless track systems and posture changing mechanisms to maintain the tray in a horizontal state during transfer, thereby reducing unnecessary steps and apparatus size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the test tray is transferred in a vertical state to enter/exit the test chamber, then the side-docking function is achieved, but the apparatus size increases and processing time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The test tray posture is changed to vertical state in advance within the soak chamber before entering the test chamber, and changed back to horizontal state after exiting. This preliminary action enables the side-docking function while avoiding the need for the entire transfer path to accommodate vertical trays, thus reducing apparatus size and optimizing processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer process is segmented into distinct zones: horizontal transfer in soak chamber, vertical posture change at transition points, vertical transfer in test chamber, and horizontal transfer after desoak chamber. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently, reducing overall apparatus complexity and size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the test tray is transferred in a vertical state, then the side-docking function is achieved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The posture change to vertical state is performed in advance within the soak chamber before the tray enters the test chamber region. This allows the majority of the apparatus (soak chamber, transfer mechanisms) to be designed for compact horizontal transfer, reducing overall apparatus footprint while still achieving side-docking capability in the test chamber zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-dimension horizontal transfer approach to a multi-dimensional approach that incorporates vertical posture changes at specific locations. This allows the apparatus to maintain compact horizontal dimensions while achieving the required side-docking function through temporary vertical orientation in the test chamber zone.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional posture changing steps are added, then the side-docking function is achieved, but the processing time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The posture changing function is merged with the existing transfer mechanisms in the soak chamber and desoak chamber. The same mechanical structures that transfer trays between chambers also perform the posture changing function, eliminating the need for separate dedicated posture change stations and reducing total processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
Posture changes are performed during the soaking and desoaking processes rather than as separate additional steps. The tray is converted to vertical state before testing begins and returned to horizontal state after testing, utilizing the existing process time and minimizing additional cycle time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the test tray is kept in vertical state during transfer, then side-docking is enabled, but the risk of semiconductor device displacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test tray is converted to vertical state only after the semiconductor devices have completed soaking and are securely positioned, and is converted back to horizontal state before devices are transferred to the tester. This timing of posture changes minimizes the duration devices are in vulnerable vertical orientation, reducing displacement risk while maintaining side-docking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer path is segmented into stable horizontal transfer zones and controlled vertical transition zones. Devices are kept in stable horizontal orientation during most of the transfer process, with vertical orientation only in the specific test chamber zone where side-docking is required, minimizing exposure to displacement risks.
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 approach enhances processing efficiency by integrating posture changes within the heating/cooling processes, minimizing apparatus size, and reducing the likelihood of semiconductor device displacement.
Implementation Method 1
In the soak chamber 120, the semiconductor devices loaded in the test tray transferred from the loading position LP are pre-heated or pre-cooled under test environment conditions
Implementation Method 2
In the soak chamber 120, the semiconductor devices loaded in the test tray transferred from the loading position LP are pre-heated or pre-cooled under test environment conditions
Implementation Method 3
Inside the test chamber 130, a temperature environment in accordance with test conditions is created
Implementation Method 4
In the desoak chamber 140, the pre-heated or pre-cooled semiconductor devices, which have been transferred from the test chamber 130 while being loaded in the test tray, are allowed to recover their temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
In a side-docking type test handler, a descending mechanism lowers a horizontally postured test tray, which has been transferred into a soak chamber, down to a descent finish position and a vertical posture changing mechanism changes the posture of the test tray, which has been lowered to the descent finish position, from the horizontal state to a vertical state, to transfer the test tray into a test chamber. Further, a horizontal posture changing mechanism changes the posture of the test tray in the test chamber from the vertical state to the horizontal state while transferring the test tray to an ascent start position in a desoak chamber.