Quick-Connect Test Head Manipulator for Shared Test Cell Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test head manipulators in the semiconductor testing industry occupy valuable test floor space and require dedicated service areas, limiting the number of test cells that can be accommodated without compromising service efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A manipulator system with quick connect assemblies and a weight transfer mechanism that allows for tool-less attachment and detachment to test heads, enabling a single manipulator to serve multiple cells by condensing space requirements and dynamically adjusting to the weight of the test head during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single manipulator is always attached to the test head for each test cell, then test head positioning is maintained, but test floor space is occupied and service access area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator is designed to be mobile rather than fixed, allowing it to move between test cells and return to a home position within each cell. This dynamic capability enables the manipulator to serve multiple cells without permanently occupying space in any single cell, resolving the contradiction between maintaining positioning reliability and reducing floor space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulator is designed as a universal device that can service multiple test cells rather than being dedicated to a single cell. By incorporating quick connect assemblies that interface with standard test head mounting locations across different cells, the manipulator can perform positioning functions in multiple locations, reducing the need for dedicated manipulator space at each cell.
2Ease of repair
If additional service space is provided for manipulator maintenance, then service efficiency is improved, but test floor space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator is designed with a mobile base that can be easily moved to external service areas located away from the test floor. This extraction of the service function from the test floor environment allows maintenance activities to occur in dedicated service bays or areas, eliminating the need to allocate premium test floor space for manipulator maintenance while preserving service efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile base acts as an intermediary between the test cells and service areas. It enables the manipulator to be transported to external service locations for maintenance while maintaining its functional connection to multiple test cells, thus separating the service function from the test floor space requirement.
3Loss of time
If the manipulator is designed with quick connect assemblies, then attachment and detachment speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick connect assemblies are pre-configured with alignment features and interlocking mechanisms that automatically engage when the manipulator approaches the test head mounting location. This preliminary preparation of the connection interfaces enables rapid attachment and detachment without requiring complex manual alignment procedures, reducing time loss while managing complexity through automated engagement sequences.
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
Enables efficient service and maintenance of test heads without occupying additional floor space, allowing semiconductor test companies to increase the number of test cells while maintaining service efficiency and reducing the need for dedicated manipulator footprints.
Implementation Method 1
a sag motor that controls an angle of the manipulator face
Implementation Method 2
a level sensor to determine a level of a test head when the test head is connected to the manipulator through the first quick connect assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A manipulator may include a base portion, an upright portion connected to the base portion, a test head attachment incorporated into the upright portion, and an upright quick connect assembly incorporated into the test head attachment. In some cases, the manipulator includes an automatic weight transfer mechanism, a mobile base portion with casters and/or steerable casters.