Test Head Moving Apparatus Interlock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing test head moving apparatuses often cause damage to the test head and/or the handler during the joining process due to interference when moving horizontally, as they fail to accurately control the height of the test head.
Innovation Solution
A test head moving apparatus equipped with an elevating means for vertical movement, a horizontally moving means, and a prohibiting means that prevents horizontal movement based on the test head's height, utilizing a detecting mechanism and stoppers to ensure safe positioning and prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the test head moving apparatus moves the test head horizontally toward the handler while keeping the test head at a high position, then the joining operation can be performed, but the test head and the handler interfere with each other causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by lowering the test head to a predetermined height position before initiating horizontal movement toward the handler. The controlling means detects when the test head reaches this safe height and only then permits horizontal movement, ensuring the test head is in a safe position before the joining operation begins. This prevents interference and damage by performing the height adjustment action in advance.
2Productivity
If the test head moving apparatus allows horizontal movement at any height, then the joining operation can be performed quickly, but interference and damage occur between the test head and handler
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through a detecting means that continuously monitors the height position of the test head. The controlling means receives this feedback information and automatically permits or prohibits horizontal movement based on whether the test head is at the predetermined safe height. This closed-loop feedback system ensures safety without requiring manual intervention, maintaining productivity while preventing damage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the test head is positioned at a predetermined height before horizontal movement, then damage is prevented, but the joining operation requires additional control steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automatic control system where the detecting means and controlling means work together to autonomously manage the height positioning and movement permission. The system self-regulates by automatically detecting the test head position and permitting horizontal movement only when appropriate, eliminating the need for complex manual control procedures while maintaining damage prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
A test head moving apparatus includes elevating arms that move a test head up and down, a frame that horizontally moves the test head, and an interlock mechanism that prohibits the horizontal movement of the frame on the basis of a height of the test head. The interlock mechanism has a limit switch that detects that the test head is positioned at the lowermost limit and stoppers capable of pressing the pressing units onto a floor plane.