Tape Mounter Robot Handling for Automatic Ring Frame Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tape mounter systems require manual replenishment of ring frames by operators, which is burdensome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A tape mounter system that includes a frame table, wafer table, frame and wafer delivery mechanisms, a tape affixing mechanism, and a robot with a frame holder, which automates the process of holding, removing, and storing ring frames and frame sets, eliminating the need for a frame stocker and allowing for automatic unloading and reloading of ring frames using an AGV or OHT mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a frame stocker is used to store ring frames, then ring frames can be supplied to the tape mounter, but the operator must manually replenish the frame stocker which increases operational burden and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through the robot that automatically removes ring frames from the frame cassette and supplies them to the tape mounter without operator intervention. The robot autonomously performs the replenishment task that would otherwise require manual operator action, thereby eliminating the operational burden while maintaining continuous supply of ring frames.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot acts as an intermediary between the frame cassette and the tape mounter. Instead of the operator directly handling ring frames or the frame stocker automatically supplying them, the robot mediates the transfer process by removing frames from the cassette and delivering them to the mounter, thereby automating the replenishment function.
2Quantity of substance
If manual replenishment of ring frames is performed, then the frame stocker can be refilled, but the process is time-consuming and reduces overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves continuity of useful action by having the robot continuously supply ring frames to the tape mounter without interruption. The automated robot operation ensures that ring frames are replenished continuously as they are consumed, eliminating the periodic stops and manual intervention required in traditional systems, thereby maintaining constant productive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot performs self-service by autonomously monitoring and replenishing ring frames in the frame stocker without operator intervention. This self-service capability ensures that ring frame availability is maintained continuously, eliminating the time loss associated with manual replenishment cycles.
3Extent of automation
If a robot is introduced to automate frame handling, then operator burden is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple tasks: removing ring frames from the frame cassette, transporting them to the tape mounter, and potentially handling frame sets. This universal capability consolidates multiple functions into a single device, reducing the need for separate specialized mechanisms and thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot serves as an intermediary component that bridges the frame cassette and the tape mounter. By introducing this single mediating device, the system achieves automation without requiring complex modifications to the existing frame stocker or mounter structures, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still attaining high automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A tape mounter includes a frame delivery mechanism for delivering a ring frame, a wafer delivery mechanism for delivering a wafer, a tape affixing mechanism for affixing a dicing tape to a ring frame and a wafer and integrally combining the ring frame and the wafer with each other to turn them into a frame set, a frame cassette stage for placing a frame cassette thereon, a robot capable of removing a ring frame from the frame cassette placed on the frame cassette stage or storing the frame set into the frame cassette placed on the frame cassette stage, and a controller.