Tray Handler Stack Separation for Automated IC Tray Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tray handling systems for integrated circuits and components are economically unfeasible and labor-intensive due to the need for multiple feeders and manual binning and sorting, especially when dealing with different part types or categories, leading to inefficiencies and errors.
Innovation Solution
A tray handler system that can sort and stack trays of varying thicknesses without a magazine or cassette, allowing for efficient and automated handling, sorting, and storage, reducing the number of required stackers and feeders, and enabling on-demand delivery of desired tray subsets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple feeders and manual binning are used to handle different part types, then sorting capability is improved, but labor intensity and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses optical code readers to automatically identify trays and their contents, with the control system automatically determining sorting destinations based on tray information, eliminating the need for manual identification and sorting decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual sorting operations with an automated控制系统 that uses optical code reading, data processing, and automated tray routing to achieve sorting without human intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stackers and feeders are deployed to handle different part types, then sorting capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single multi-functional stacker that can handle multiple part types through automated sorting, replacing the need for multiple dedicated feeders and stackers for different component categories
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary that receives tray information from optical code readers, processes the data, and directs trays to appropriate destinations, coordinating the entire sorting operation without requiring separate hardware for each part type
3Device complexity
If manual binning and sorting are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but productivity and accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual sorting operations with an automated控制系统 that uses optical code reading, data processing, and automated tray routing to achieve sorting without human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical code readers to automatically identify trays and their contents, with the control system automatically determining sorting destinations based on tray information
4Device complexity
If manual sorting is employed, then device complexity is reduced, but error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual sorting operations with an automated控制系统 that uses optical code reading, data processing, and automated tray routing to achieve sorting without human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical code readers to read tray information, the control system processes this information and compares it with required sorting criteria, and automatically adjusts tray routing based on this feedback to ensure accurate sorting
Data Source
AI summary
A tray handler for transporting a tray into or out from a selectable position within a tray stack stowed in the tray handler has an upload station to stow a tray during a sort procedure, a tray elevator configured to vertically transport the tray stack to the selectable position such that the tray is positioned to be horizontally received from or by the unload stations, and a separator above the tray elevator and coupled to the unload station, the separator configured to vertically split the tray stack for opening the selectable position and horizontally transporting the tray into or out from the unload station.