Test Tray Transfer Mechanism for Semiconductor Handlers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional test handlers require two separate test tray transferring apparatuses due to interference between the first and second transferring apparatuses, leading to slow tray flow and potential damage to semiconductor devices during the second transferring process, necessitating the use of two expensive motors.

Innovation Solution

A single test tray transferring apparatus with a first and second gripping block, actuated independently, and a vertical transferring device to move the blocks in a direction perpendicular to the circulation path, allowing simultaneous transfer of both test trays without interference and minimizing the need for multiple motors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two separate test tray transferring apparatuses are used, then the test trays can be transferred without interference, but the device complexity and cost increase due to requiring two expensive motors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer reliabilityVSAvoidapparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single transferring apparatus is segmented into two independently controllable gripping blocks, each capable of gripping and transferring test trays separately. This allows the system to function as two independent transferring units while being housed within a single apparatus structure, thereby reducing the need for two separate motors and reducing device complexity while maintaining transfer reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single test tray transferring apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions by equipping it with two gripping blocks that can operate independently. This multi-functional design allows one apparatus to replace two separate apparatuses, reducing overall system complexity and motor requirements while maintaining the reliability of test tray transfer operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a single test tray transferring apparatus is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but interference occurs between transferring operations causing slow tray flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus complexityVSAvoidtray flow speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the single apparatus into two independently controllable gripping blocks, each block can grip and transfer test trays simultaneously without interfering with each other. This segmentation allows parallel operation of transferring functions, maintaining high tray flow speed while reducing overall device complexity compared to using two separate apparatuses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping blocks are designed with independent actuators that allow dynamic and coordinated control of each block's gripping and releasing actions. This dynamic control enables the first gripping block to release a test tray while the second gripping block simultaneously grips another test tray, ensuring continuous and fast tray flow without operational interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the first gripping block releases the test tray before the second gripping block grips it, then collision-free transfer is achieved, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage riskVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is designed to execute preliminary actions in a specific sequence: the first gripping block releases the test tray before the second gripping block grips it. This preliminary releasing action prevents collision between the test trays during transfer, reducing damage risk. The control sequence is managed through coordinated actuation signals that simplify the overall control logic while ensuring safe operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system acts as an intermediary that coordinates the timing and sequence of actions between the two gripping blocks. By managing the release and grip timing through centralized control signals, the system prevents collision without requiring complex interlocking mechanisms or additional safety devices, thereby maintaining relatively simple control architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7741836B2Test tray transferring apparatus for a test handler, test handler, and method of transferring test trays for a test handler

Publication Date: 2010.06.22 TECHWING CO LTD

AI summary

A test handler is disclosed. First and second gripping blocks for respective front and rear test trays to be transferred along a circulation path move together in a circulation direction, but move independently in a direction perpendicular to the circulation path and grip and release independently. The test trays can be transferred by a single power source and interference between an assisting a test and a transferring can be minimized.