X-ray Inspection Apparatus Backup Support for PCB Flatness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray inspection apparatuses face challenges in accurately obtaining X-ray images due to bending deformation and vibration of printed circuit boards caused by their own weight, leading to inconsistent height positions and distorted inspection results.

Innovation Solution

The X-ray inspection apparatus incorporates a conveying mechanism with backup support mechanism units that adjust to maintain a constant height and prevent bending, using support members with pins to secure the board edges and minimize contact area, ensuring accurate imaging even with larger boards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the printed circuit board is fixed at the edges by the table mechanism section, then the board can be held in position for inspection, but the central region bends downward due to its own weight

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveX-ray image accuracyVSAvoidboard flatness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented into multiple points rather than a continuous surface. Multiple support pins are distributed across the board area to provide localized support that prevents bending while maintaining the ability to move the board for inspection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Support pins act as intermediary elements between the board and the table mechanism section. These pins provide the necessary support to prevent bending deformation while being minimally intrusive to the X-ray inspection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the table mechanism section is moved to change imaging range, then larger boards can be inspected, but the board vibrates and waves due to bending deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging rangeVSAvoidboard stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into multiple discrete pins rather than a continuous support structure. This segmentation allows the board to be supported at multiple points while maintaining stability during movement and inspection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support pins are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to adapt to the board's position during movement. This dynamic support system maintains board stability while enabling the table mechanism to move for different imaging ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of moving object

If the board size is increased to accommodate larger components, then more components can be mounted, but bending deformation becomes more prominent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboard areaVSAvoidboard flatness
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple support pins are distributed across the larger board area to provide support at critical locations. This segmented support system effectively counteracts the increased bending tendency of larger boards while maintaining the ability to perform X-ray inspection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2615447B1X-ray inspection apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP2615447B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2615447B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2615447B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is an X-ray inspection apparatus which includes an X-ray imaging section (40) for imaging a target object (1) by means of X-rays, and a backup support mechanism section (60) including an up-and-down mechanism unit (66a, 66b) adapted to be disposed adjacent to or outward of at least one of two edges (1c, 1d) of the target object mutually opposed in a first direction (X direction) within a horizontal plane, and, when the target object is subjected to imaging by the X-ray imaging section, to be moved in an up-down direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the horizontal plane so as to support the target object.