Test Head Manipulator with Pivot Mounting and Counterweight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test head positioner systems for automatic integrated circuit testing equipment face challenges in weight, efficiency, simplicity, and cost, particularly in vertical support systems.
Innovation Solution
A test head manipulator system comprising a column unit, vertical carriage, cradle, arm assembly with a roll gear box, and base unit, which allows the test head to pivot compliantly about its center of gravity, providing low friction motion with three degrees of freedom and a counterweight assembly for equilibrium, enabling precise positioning and docking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional vertical support systems with motors, cables, and counterweights are used, then the test head can be positioned vertically, but the system becomes heavy, complex, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex vertical support system (motor, cable, counterweight) entirely and replaces it with a simple pivot mounting. The test head is mounted to pivot about a horizontal axis at its center of gravity, eliminating the need for heavy vertical positioning mechanisms while maintaining operational capability through manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an active motor-driven system to position the test head vertically, the invention inverts the approach by using a passive pivot system where the test head's own weight creates equilibrium. The system relies on gravitational force acting at the center of gravity rather than opposing it with motors and counterweights.
2Measurement precision
If motors and counterweights are used for vertical positioning, then positioning capability is achieved, but system weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for separate counterweights by positioning the pivot point at the test head's center of gravity. This creates a self-balancing system where the test head's own weight distribution provides equilibrium, removing the need for additional counterweight components and reducing overall system weight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If six degrees of freedom movement is provided, then complete positioning freedom is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the degrees of freedom into essential and non-essential categories. It provides three critical degrees of freedom (vertical translation via carriage, horizontal translation via arm, and rotation via pivot) while eliminating unnecessary controlled movements, achieving adequate positioning freedom with reduced mechanical complexity.
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
The system achieves efficient and precise positioning of the test head with reduced weight and cost, enhancing the overall efficiency and simplicity of the testing process while maintaining stability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a counterweight assembly for equilibrium
Implementation Method 2
providing low friction motion with three degrees of freedom
Data Source
AI summary
A manipulator system comprising a column unit and a carriage supported by the column unit and configured to move along a desired axis of translation. A marker is provided on the column unit along the axis of translation. A sensor is associated with the carriage and configured to sense a position along the marker. A position display unit is configured to receive a position signal from the sensor and display a current position of the carriage along the axis of translation. In another aspect, the column unit defines at least one slot. A lock assembly is attached to the carriage and includes a tang axially moveable between an unlocked position wherein the tang is disengaged from the at least one slot and a locked position wherein the tang is engaged in the at least one slot.