Vacuum Nozzle Alignment for Small Electronic Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for handling small-size electronic components with vacuum pick-up nozzles face challenges in accurate alignment, particularly in x, y, and angular orientations, leading to misplacement and loss during transfer due to minimal vacuum holding force and lack of control over these directions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that includes a pick-up nozzle connected to a pressure source, a measurement means for determining misalignment, an aligning device, and an actuator to move the aligning device based on the measurement, allowing for precise alignment in x, y, and angular orientations to improve handling accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum pick-up nozzles are used to handle small-size electronic components, then the components can be transported between processing stations, but the vacuum holding force becomes minimal and the component becomes displaced from the center line of the nozzle during transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing alignment measurements and corrections before the component transfer is completed. The system measures the component's position relative to the nozzle center line and applies corrective movements to the nozzle or component holder, ensuring the component is properly positioned before the transfer operation concludes, thereby preventing displacement and maintaining both reliability and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using measurement means (such as cameras or sensors) to detect the component's actual position during transfer, comparing it to the desired position, and using this information to adjust the nozzle or component holder in real-time. This closed-loop control system continuously monitors and corrects positioning errors, maintaining manufacturing precision while ensuring reliable transfer
2Device complexity
If minimal control is applied to x, y locations or angular orientation during transfer, then the transfer operation is simpler, but a cumulative positioning error is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses measurement means to detect positioning errors in x, y locations and angular orientation during transfer, and implements feedback control to correct these errors in real-time. This allows the system to maintain high positioning accuracy without requiring overly complex manual control mechanisms, as the automated feedback loop handles the precision adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with automated measurement and correction mechanisms. Instead of relying on precise manual positioning or complex mechanical linkages, the system uses sensors, cameras, or other measurement devices to detect position and orientation, then uses actuators to make precise adjustments, substituting mechanical complexity with automated sensing and actuation
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 accurate alignment of small-size components with increased freedom of movement, reducing misplacement and ensuring reliable transfer between nozzles, thereby enhancing the handling and processing of small electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
a pick-up nozzle (21) holding and transporting a component (20) and connected to a source of negative and possibly positive pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for aligning a small-size component with vacuum pick-up nozzles within turrets used with electronic components or assembly equipments. The method comprises the steps of picking-up the component with a pick-up nozzle; measuring a position of the component in respect to a defined value; bringing the component held by the pick-up nozzle in contact with a aligning device; holding the component with the aligning device and; moving the aligning device in order to align the component based on the position measurement.