Research and Experiment on the Self-Calibration Mechanism of the Position and Orientation of Micro-Component Based on...

The self-calibration of micro-component position and orientation is a key step in micro-assembly. To address the limitations of conventional self-calibration methods-where the calibration substrate is fixed and lacks adaptability-this study proposes a droplet-array-based method for self-calibrating micro-component position and orientation. By using a droplet array to form a reconfigurable calibration substrate, the method supports iterative updates of micro-devices and enables synchronous restructuring of the substrate. First, a mechanical model of the self-calibration process is established to analyze the coupling forces exerted by the liquid-bridge array between the calibration substrate and the micro-component, thereby clarifying the mechanism of droplet-array-driven self-calibration. Next, the effects of micro-component material and surface properties on calibration error are examined. Extensive experiments are then conducted to validate the proposed analytical approach. The results show that a droplet array matching the shape and size of the micro-component can be constructed in real time as a calibration substrate. Through the coupling forces generated by the liquid bridges, self-calibration of micro-components with arbitrary shapes and dimensions can be achieved. Calibration accuracy is dependent upon the material and surface roughness of the micro-component. Variations in the micro-component material lead to different forces being applied by the liquid bridge, with the self-calibration error arising from the interplay of these factors. For micro-components of identical material, a smoother surface corresponds to higher calibration accuracy.