Test Handler Independent Transfer Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tray transfer apparatuses in test handlers suffer from decreased process speed due to simultaneous vertical and horizontal movement of grippers, elongated horizontal movement distances, and the inability to perform gripping, moving, and waiting operations without preceding procedures, especially when handling larger capacities and distinguishing between loading and unloading events.
Innovation Solution
A test handler with three independently movable transfers, each equipped with a gripper and vertical movement unit, allowing for separate horizontal movement sections and independent operation of horizontal movement units to reduce movement distances and enhance processing speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single transfer apparatus with a pair of grippers is used to handle trays, then the structure is simple, but the process speed decreases due to simultaneous vertical and horizontal movement and elongated horizontal movement distances
Solution Approach 1:
The single transfer apparatus is divided into multiple independent transfer units (first transfer unit, second transfer unit, third transfer unit), each capable of independent horizontal movement. This segmentation allows parallel operations to occur simultaneously, increasing process speed while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single transfer apparatus operating in one horizontal dimension to multiple transfer units operating in parallel horizontal dimensions. Each unit can move independently along the horizontal axis, enabling simultaneous tray handling operations and reducing overall processing time
2Device complexity
If grippers are moved together horizontally and vertically, then the control is simplified, but the process speed decreases due to inability to perform gripping, moving, and waiting operations without preceding procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static coupled movement to dynamic independent movement. Each transfer unit can dynamically adjust its horizontal position and timing independently, allowing gripping, moving, and waiting operations to be performed without strict procedural sequencing, thereby reducing process delays
Solution Approach 2:
Transfer units can perform preliminary positioning and waiting operations in advance, allowing subsequent gripping and moving operations to proceed without delay. The independent horizontal movement capability enables units to prepare for upcoming operations while other units are still executing previous operations
3Device complexity
If all grippers move horizontally from loading plate section to unloading plate section, then the system is simplified, but the horizontal movement distance is elongated reducing process speed
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal movement function is segmented across multiple independent transfer units, each responsible for specific tray handling tasks. This allows shorter, optimized movement distances for each unit compared to a single unit that must traverse the entire horizontal distance from loading to unloading plate section
Solution Approach 2:
Each transfer unit is optimized for its specific local function within the horizontal axis. Units can be positioned and configured to minimize their individual movement distances based on their specific tasks, rather than all units traversing the maximum horizontal distance
Data Source
AI summary
A test handler is disclosed. The test handler includes first to third transfers for transferring a user tray, and first to third horizontal movement units suitable for respectively moving the first to third transfers in a horizontal direction. The first to third horizontal movement units are independently operated such that each of the first to third transfers can perform independently horizontal movements. Each of the first to third transfers performs based on its previously allocated function, thereby enhancing test process speed for devices.