Vertical Motion Stopper Arm for IC Transfer Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transfer tracks for packaged integrated circuits apply horizontal forces during clamping and unclamping, which can scratch and damage the contact pads, leading to unreliable solder connections and high scrap rates due to the pivoting motion of the stopper arm.
Innovation Solution
A transfer track with a stopper arm constrained to vertical motion, where the cam follower or actuator moves the stopper arm vertically to clamp and unclamp the packaged IC, preventing horizontal forces that could damage the ICs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pivoting stopper arm is used to clamp and unclamp packaged ICs, then the stopper can effectively hold and release the ICs, but horizontal forces are applied to the ICs causing scratches and damage to contact pads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the motion direction of the stopper arm from horizontal pivoting to vertical linear motion. The stopper arm moves up and down along guide pins rather than rotating around a pivot point, thereby eliminating horizontal forces that cause contact pad scratches while maintaining effective clamping through vertical downward pressure
2Extent of automation
If a cam mechanism with pivoting stopper arm is used, then the clamping action can be automated, but the horizontal motion causes high scrap rates due to contact pad damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is modified so that the stopper arm moves vertically instead of horizontally. The cam still provides automated actuation, but the follower guides the stopper arm in vertical linear motion, automating the clamping action without causing contact pad damage that leads to high scrap rates
Solution Approach 2:
Guide pins are introduced as intermediary elements between the stopper arm and the track body. These guide pins constrain the stopper arm to vertical motion only, mediating the cam's rotational motion into linear vertical displacement of the stopper, thereby eliminating harmful horizontal forces
3Device complexity
If a pivoting stopper arm is used, then the structure can be simple, but the horizontal forces increase downtime due to damage repair
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper arm pivots vertically rather than horizontally, changing the dimension of motion to eliminate contact pad damage. This simple directional change prevents scratches that would require repair, thereby reducing downtime while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal pivoting mechanical system is replaced with a vertical linear motion system guided by guide pins. This substitution eliminates the harmful horizontal forces that cause damage and require repair time, reducing overall downtime while maintaining mechanical simplicity
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 vertical motion reduces damage to contact pads, significantly lowering scrap rates and operating costs by eliminating scratches, with a 12.5% reduction in downtime and a 6 times lower force requirement compared to angular motion stoppers.
Implementation Method 1
A cam follower 112 actuates the cam 114 causing the stopper arm 118 to pivot
Implementation Method 2
A stopper arm 118 with a cam 114 is attached to the transfer track rail 100 with a pivot 116
Data Source
AI summary
A packaged integrated circuit transfer track with a stopper arm that is constrained to vertical motion. A packaged integrated circuit transfer track with a cam follower that engages a cam causing a stopper arm to raise or lower vertically. A packaged integrated circuit transfer track with an actuator that engages a switch causing a motor or solenoid to raise or lower the stopper arm vertically.