Test Handler Orientation Changing Device for Pick Head Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional test handlers face inefficiencies in picking up electronic devices due to misalignment between the devices and the vacuum suction cavities of the pick heads, leading to reduced pick-up force and increased risk of device drop during transfer.
Innovation Solution
A test handler with an orientation-changing device that uses a device holder with a vertical rotary axis and a rotary motor to rotate electronic devices 90 degrees before pickup, aligning them with the vacuum suction cavities of the pick heads for optimal alignment and increased pick-up force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic devices are conveyed using a vibratory bowl feeder with sensor-based orientation detection, then devices can be sorted by orientation, but the alignment between devices and vacuum suction cavities is poor resulting in reduced pick-up force
Solution Approach 1:
The device holder rotates electronic devices to the correct orientation before the pick head attempts to pick them up. This preliminary orientation adjustment ensures that when the pick head engages the device, the vacuum suction cavity is properly aligned with the device edges, maximizing pick-up force and reliability without requiring re-attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The device holder acts as an intermediary between the vibratory bowl feeder and the pick head. It receives devices in various orientations from the feeder, rotates them to the correct orientation using the rotary motor, and then presents them properly aligned to the pick head for pickup, thereby resolving the misalignment issue.
2Productivity
If devices are picked up without proper orientation alignment, then the picking process is faster, but devices are at risk of being dropped during transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary orientation alignment of devices before the pickup operation. The device holder rotates devices to ensure proper alignment with the vacuum suction cavity edges before the pick head engages them, ensuring reliable pickup and transfer without compromising throughput.
3Measurement precision
If devices with incorrect orientation are removed and re-conveyed, then orientation accuracy is maintained, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing and re-conveying devices with incorrect orientation, the device holder performs preliminary rotation to correct the orientation in-place. This eliminates the need for time-consuming removal and re-conveyance cycles while maintaining precise orientation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static pickup process to a dynamic one where the device holder can actively rotate devices to correct orientation. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to handle orientation variations without interrupting the conveyor flow, significantly reducing time loss.
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 solution enhances the operational throughput by ensuring proper alignment of electronic devices with the pick heads, reducing the risk of device drop and improving the efficiency of the testing process.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary motor connected to the device holder which is operative to rotate the device holder about the vertical rotary axis to change an orientation of the electronic device held on it
Implementation Method 2
each pick head comprises a vacuum suction cavity that is also generally of a rectangular shape
Data Source
AI summary
A test handler comprises an orientation changing device having a device holder for holding electronic devices, the device holder having a vertical rotary axis. A conveying device is operative to convey electronic devices to the device holder, and a rotary motor connected to the device holder is operative to rotate the device holder about the vertical rotary axis to change an orientation of the electronic device held on it. A rotary turret of the test handler has a plurality of pick heads arranged on the rotary turret, and each pick head is configured to pick up electronic devices from the device holder.