Patent Publication Number: US-2020288581-A1

Title: Methods and systems for aligning a component

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/814,565, filed Mar. 6, 2019, titled “Methods and Systems for Aligning a Component”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present specification relates to methods and systems for aligning a component, and in particular to methods and systems for aligning a component on a substrate. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Systems and devices may be designed to perform a variety of functions. These systems and devices may have multiple components. Moreover, these components may be assembled together to form the systems or devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an implementation of the present specification there is provided a method comprising: placing a component on a substrate; extending an alignment member through an opening in the substrate; moving the component to abut against the alignment member to align the component relative to the substrate; securing the component to the substrate; and retracting the alignment member through the opening. 
     After the moving the component to abut against the alignment member, the alignment member may contact two sides of the component to align the component along two linearly-independent directions on the substrate. 
     The method may further comprise extending an additional alignment member through an additional opening in the substrate; and retracting the additional alignment member through the additional opening. The moving the component may comprise moving the component to abut against the alignment member and the additional alignment member to align the component along two linearly-independent directions on the substrate. 
     After the moving the component the alignment member may abut against a first side of the component and the additional alignment member may abut against a second side of the component. 
     The method may further comprise extending an additional alignment member through the opening in the substrate; and retracting the additional alignment member through the opening. The moving the component may comprise moving the component to abut against the alignment member and the additional alignment member to align the component along two linearly-independent directions on the substrate. 
     The extending the alignment member may comprise extending at least one of a peg and a shim through the opening in the substrate. 
     The alignment member may be secured to a support to form a jig; and the extending and the retracting the alignment member may comprise moving one or both of the jig and the substrate closer to and further from one another respectively. 
     The moving the component may comprise exerting a magnetic force between the alignment member and the component to attract the component towards the alignment member. 
     The alignment member may comprise an electromagnet; and the exerting the magnetic force may comprise electrifying the electromagnet. 
     The extending the alignment member may comprise extending the alignment member comprising a permanent magnet through the opening in the substrate. 
     The method may further comprise providing a quantity of a liquid disposed on the substrate between the substrate and the component. The moving the component may comprise applying a surface tension force of the liquid to the component. 
     The providing the quantity of the liquid may comprise providing a plurality of sub-quantities of the liquid spaced from one another. 
     The providing the plurality of the sub-quantities of the liquid may comprise providing the plurality of the sub-quantities arranged periodically on the substrate to form a grid. 
     The providing the liquid may comprise providing a solder disposed on the substrate between the substrate and the component. 
     The providing the liquid may comprise providing a solid solder disposed on the substrate between the substrate and the component; and melting the solid solder. 
     The moving the component may comprise tilting the substrate to cause gravity to pull the component towards the alignment member. 
     The moving the component may further comprise vibrating the substrate and the component. 
     The moving the component may further comprise blowing a gas across a surface of the substrate to push the component towards the alignment member. 
     The securing the component to the substrate may comprise soldering the component to the substrate. 
     The placing the component on the substrate may comprise placing an optical component on a printed circuit board. 
     The extending the alignment member may comprise extending the alignment member comprising a solder non-adhesive material through the opening in the substrate. 
     The extending the alignment member comprising the solder non-adhesive material may comprise extending the alignment member comprising one or more of aluminum and a ceramic through the opening in the substrate. 
     The moving the component to abut against the alignment member may comprise moving the component along a surface of the substrate. 
     According to another implementation of the present specification there is provided a system to align a component on a substrate, the system comprising: a substrate holder to hold the substrate; an alignment member; an actuator mechanically coupled to one or both of the substrate holder and the alignment member, the actuator to move one or both of the substrate holder and the alignment member relative to one another between a first configuration in which the alignment member extends through an opening in the substrate and a second configuration in which the alignment member is retracted from the opening; a component moving module to move the component to abut against the alignment member in the first configuration to align the component relative to the substrate; and a component securing module to secure the component to the substrate after the component is aligned relative to the substrate and before the alignment member is retracted from the opening. 
     The alignment member may be shaped to contact two sides of the component when the component abuts the alignment member, to align the component along two linearly-independent directions on the substrate. 
     The system may further comprise an additional alignment member and a support, the alignment member and the additional alignment member secured to the support to form a jig. The actuator may be mechanically coupled to one or both of the substrate holder and the jig, the actuator to move one or both of the substrate holder and the jig relative to one another between the first configuration in which the alignment member extends through the opening and the additional alignment member extends through a corresponding additional opening in the substrate and the second configuration in which the alignment member is retracted from the opening and the additional alignment member is retracted from the additional opening; and the component moving module may be to move the component to abut against the alignment member at a first side of the component and to abut against the additional alignment member at a second side of the component, to align the component along two linearly-independent directions on the substrate. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn are not necessarily intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings. 
         FIG. 1  shows an example method which may be used to align a component on a substrate, in accordance with a non-limiting implementation of the present specification. 
         FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D  show schematic side elevation views of an example set of steps for aligning a component on a substrate, in accordance with a non-limiting implementation of the present specification. 
         FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D  show schematic side elevation views of an example set of steps for aligning multiple components on a substrate, in accordance with a non-limiting implementation of the present specification. 
         FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D  show schematic side elevation views of another example set of steps for aligning multiple components on a substrate, in accordance with a non-limiting implementation of the present specification. 
         FIG. 5  shows a schematic top plan view of an example substrate and alignment member to align an example component on the substrate, in accordance with a non-limiting implementation of the present specification. 
         FIG. 6  shows a schematic top plan view of another example substrate and alignment member to align an example component on the substrate, in accordance with a non-limiting implementation of the present specification. 
         FIG. 7  shows a schematic top plan view of yet another example substrate and alignment member to align an example component on the substrate, in accordance with a non-limiting implementation of the present specification. 
         FIG. 8  shows a schematic top plan view of yet another example substrate and alignment member to align an example component on the substrate, in accordance with a non-limiting implementation of the present specification. 
         FIG. 9  shows a schematic top plan view of yet another example substrate and alignment member to align an example component on the substrate, in accordance with a non-limiting implementation of the present specification. 
         FIG. 10  shows a schematic top plan view of yet another example substrate and alignment member to align an example component on the substrate, in accordance with a non-limiting implementation of the present specification. 
         FIG. 11  shows a schematic top plan view of yet another example substrate and alignment member to align an example component on the substrate, in accordance with a non-limiting implementation of the present specification. 
         FIG. 12  shows a schematic top plan view of yet another example substrate and alignment member to align an example component on the substrate, in accordance with a non-limiting implementation of the present specification. 
         FIG. 13  shows a schematic top plan view of yet another example substrate and alignment member to align an example component on the substrate, in accordance with a non-limiting implementation of the present specification. 
         FIG. 14  shows a schematic top plan view of yet another example substrate and alignment member to align an example component on the substrate, in accordance with a non-limiting implementation of the present specification. 
         FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D  show schematic side elevation views of another example set of steps for aligning a component on a substrate, in accordance with a non-limiting implementation of the present specification. 
         FIG. 16  shows a schematic top plan view of yet another example substrate and alignment member to align an example component on the substrate, in accordance with a non-limiting implementation of the present specification. 
         FIG. 17  shows a schematic top plan view of yet another example substrate and alignment member to align an example component on the substrate, in accordance with a non-limiting implementation of the present specification. 
         FIGS. 18A and 18B  show schematic views of an example system to align an example component on an example substrate, in accordance with a non-limiting implementation of the present specification. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed implementations. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that implementations may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and the like. In other instances, well-known structures associated with light sources have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the implementations. 
     Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is as “including, but not limited to.” 
     As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its broadest sense, that is as meaning “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 
     The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the implementations. 
     When assembling components to form a system or device, the components may be placed at predetermined positions and alignments on a substrate, and then secured together or to the substrate. “Positioning” and “aligning” may be used interchangeably to refer to placing a component at the correct position on the substrate, adjusting the orientation of the component to align it relative to the substrate, or both. Examples of substrates may include circuit boards, chassis, frames, and the like. In some examples, spatial tolerances may be adhered to when positioning or aligning the components on the substrate. This may allow the component to be positioned or aligned accurately in the system or device, which may in turn allow the system or device to function properly within its operating specifications. 
     In some examples, manufacturing methods used for positioning or aligning components on a substrate may not be able to meet the spatial positioning or alignment tolerances. In such examples, the component may be positioned on the substrate near its predetermined position and with relatively larger spatial positioning or alignment tolerances. Subsequently, the component may be aligned on the substrate by moving the component to its predetermined position within relatively smaller spatial tolerances.  FIG. 1  shows an example of such a method, which may be used to position or align a component on a substrate. 
     Turning now to an example method  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , at box  105  a component may be placed on a substrate. In some examples, the substrate may comprise a circuit board such as a printed circuit board (PCB), and the component may comprise electrical or optical components to be placed on the PCB. It is contemplated that in some examples components different than optical or electrical components may be positioned on their respective substrates, which substrates may be different than circuit boards. In some examples, the placing of the component on the substrate may be performed as part of a manufacturing technique such as frame-and-reel, pick-and-place, and the like. 
       FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D  show schematic side elevation views of an example implementation of method  100 .  FIG. 2A  shows a component  205  placed on a substrate  210 . An arrow  215  marks the position at which component  205  is initially placed on substrate  210 . An arrow  220  marks the predetermined position on substrate  210  to which component  205  is to be moved in order to correctly or accurately align component  205  on substrate  210 . 
     At box  110 , an alignment member may be extended through an opening in the substrate. The alignment member may extend through a thickness of the substrate and extend beyond the surface of the substrate on which the component is placed. In this manner, the alignment member may be able to act as a positional marker for the correct alignment of the component on the substrate. 
       FIG. 2B  shows an example implementation of extending an alignment member  225  along a direction of an arrow  230  through substrate  210 . As shown in  FIG. 2B , alignment member  225  extends through substrate  210  and beyond a surface  235  of substrate  210 . 
     Furthermore, at box  115  of method  100  the component may be moved to abut against the alignment member to align the component relative to the substrate.  FIG. 2C  shows an example implementation of moving component  205  along the direction of an arrow  240  to abut against alignment member  225 . This in turn moves component  205  to its predetermined position marked by arrow  220 , thereby aligning component  205  relative to substrate  210 . In  FIG. 2C  the dashed lines show the initial position of component  205  on substrate  210 . 
     Moreover, while  FIG. 2C  shows alignment member  225  extending above surface  235  further than the height of component  205  above surface  235 , it is contemplated that in some examples alignment member  225  may extend above surface  235  at a height that is the same as or less than the height of component  205 . In addition, component  205  may be moved on surface  235  towards alignment member  225  using different mechanisms or forces, as is described in greater detail below. Some examples of such forces or mechanisms may include gravity, a magnetic force, a surface tension force, and the like. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , at box  120  the component may be secured to the substrate. The component may be secured to the substrate using a suitable method including using solder, using an adhesive, applying a coating to cover the component and the substrate, and the like. In the example of  FIG. 2C , once component  205  is moved to its predetermined position marked by arrow  220 , then component  205  may be secured to substrate  210 . 
     At box  125  of method  100 , the alignment member may be retracted through the opening in the substrate.  FIG. 2D  shows alignment member  225  retracted from substrate  210  along the direction of an arrow  245 . In this manner, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2A-2D , the alignment member may be used to refine the position of the component on the substrate, thereby aligning the component on the substrate. 
     In some examples, more than one alignment member may be extended through the opening in the substrate. Moreover, in some examples the substrate may comprise more than one opening, and one or more alignment members may be extended through each of the openings. In examples where one alignment member contacts one side of the component, the alignment member may be used to align the component in one direction. For example, if surface  235  (shown in  FIG. 2C ) of the substrate is described as forming an XY Cartesian plane, the one alignment member may allow the component to be aligned along one direction, such as the X-axis. 
     In some examples, one alignment member may be shaped to contact two different sides of the component when the component is moved to abut against the alignment member. In some examples, such alignment members may be L-shaped, C-shaped, or have other suitable shapes. Such an alignment member may be used to align the component along two linearly-independent directions on the substrate, such as along both the X-axis and the Y-axis. Alignment along two linearly-independent directions may allow the position of the component to be specified on the Cartesian plane of the surface of the substrate. 
     Moreover, in some examples, two different alignment members may be used to align the component along two linearly-independent directions on the substrate. In some examples, each of the two alignment members may be positioned to contact a different surface of the component when the component is moved to abut against the two different alignment members. 
     Furthermore, in some examples multiple alignment members may be used to align multiple components on a substrate.  FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D  show schematic side elevation views of an example set of steps for aligning multiple components using multiple alignment members.  FIG. 3A  shows components  305 ,  310 , and  315  placed on a substrate  320 . While  FIG. 3A  shows three components, it is contemplated that one, two, four, or a different number of components may be placed and aligned on a substrate using the methods described herein. Moreover, while components  305 ,  310 , and  315  are shown as being identical in size and shape, it is contemplated that in some examples the components may be different from one another in shape, size, composition, functionality, and the like. 
       FIG. 3A  shows that component  305  is initially placed on substrate  320  at the position marked by arrow  325 . The predetermined position for component  305 , i.e. the correct or accurate alignment of component  305  on substrate  320 , is marked by arrow  330 . While not marked by arrows in  FIG. 3A , components  310  and  315  may also be initially offset from their correct or accurate positions on substrate  320 . 
       FIG. 3B  in turn shows alignment members  335 ,  340 , and  345  being extended through respective openings in substrate  320  along the direction of arrow  350 . Alignment members  335 ,  340 , and  345  may be used to align components  305 ,  310 , and  315  respectively. While  FIG. 3B  shows alignment members  335 ,  340 , and  345  as being identical in shape and size, it is contemplated that in some examples the alignment members may be different from one another in shape, size, composition, and the like. 
     In  FIG. 3C , components  305 ,  310 , and  315  are moved on substrate  320  along the direction of an arrow  355  to abut against alignment members  335 ,  340 , and  345  respectively, to align components  305 ,  310 , and  315  relative to substrate  320 . Once aligned, components  305 ,  310 , and  315  may be secured to substrate  320 . Moreover, once the alignment and securing of the components are completed, alignment members  335 ,  340 , and  345  may be retracted from substrate  320  along a direction marked by an arrow  360 , as shown in  FIG. 3D . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D , schematic side elevation views are shown of an example set of steps for aligning multiple components using multiple alignment members.  FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D  are similar to  FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D , with one difference being that alignment members  405 ,  410 , and  415  may be connected to a support  420  to form a jig  425 . In this manner, alignment members  405 ,  410 , and  415  may be aligned relative to one another, and may be extended or retracted together as parts of jig  425 . In some examples, extending and retracting the alignment members may comprise moving one or both of the jig and the substrate closer to and further from one another respectively. 
     While alignment members  405 ,  410 , and  415  may be connected together to form jig  425 , alignment members  405 ,  410 , and  415  may be otherwise similar to alignment members  335 ,  340 , and  345 . Moreover, the shape and size of alignment members  405 ,  410 , and  415  and their positions in jig  425  may correspond respectively to the shape, size, and distribution of the openings in substrate  320 . 
     Furthermore, while  FIGS. 4B, 4C, and 4D  show jig  425  as comprising three identical and evenly spaced alignment members  405 ,  410 , and  415 , it is contemplated that in some examples jigs may comprise a number, shapes, sizes, or positions of alignment members in the jig that may be different than those of jig  425  shown in  FIGS. 4B, 4C, and 4D . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 5 , a schematic top plan view is shown of an example component  505  placed on an example substrate  510 . The initial position of component  505  on substrate  510  is shown in dashed lines. While  FIG. 5  shows component  505  as being square-shaped, it is contemplated that in some examples the component may have a shape other than a square. An alignment member  515  is extended through an opening  520  in substrate  510 , and component  505  is moved along the direction shown by an arrow  530  to abut against alignment member  515 . In this manner, component  505  may be aligned relative to substrate  510 . In addition, it is contemplated that in some examples component  505  may be moved to abut against alignment member  515  along a path or direction different than the direction shown by arrow  530 . 
     While  FIG. 5  shows alignment member  515  being positioned against a side  525  of opening  520 , it is contemplated that in some examples the alignment member may be positioned differently in the opening. For example, the alignment member may be about centered in the opening, may be positioned against a different side of the opening, and the like. 
     Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 5 , alignment member  515  may be elongated. Such alignment members may also be described as shims, walls, wall segments, and the like. It is contemplated that in some examples the alignment member may have an elongated shape different than the shape shown in  FIG. 5 . For examples, the alignment member may be elongated and have rounded corners, rounded ends, and the like. Similarly, it is contemplated that in some examples the opening may have a shape different than the shape shown in  FIG. 5 , so long as the shape allows for the extending and retracting of the alignment member. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 6 , a schematic top plan view is shown of example component  505  placed on example substrate  510 .  FIG. 6  may be similar to  FIG. 5 , with one difference being that in  FIG. 6  two circular alignment members  605  and  610  are extended through opening  520 , instead of alignment member  515 . In  FIG. 6 , alignment members  605  and  610  are positioned against side  525  of opening  520 . It is contemplated that in other examples alignment members  605  and  610  may be positioned differently in opening  520 . 
     As alignment members  605  and  610  have a rounded or circular cross-section as shown in  FIG. 6 , alignment members  605  and  610  may also be described as pegs. It is contemplated that in other examples pegs of other cross-sectional shapes may be used such as square pegs, triangular pegs, hexagonal pegs, oval pegs, and the like. In addition,  FIG. 6  shows alignment members  605  and  610  as having identical circular cross-sections. It is contemplated that in some examples, alignment members  605  and  610  may have different shapes or sizes from one another. Furthermore,  FIG. 6  shows two pegs extending through opening  520 . It is contemplated that in some examples one, three, or a different number of alignment members may be extended through opening  520 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 7 , a schematic top plan view is shown of example component  505  placed on an example substrate  705 . Substrate  705  may be similar to substrate  510 , with one difference being that substrate  705  may comprise a circular opening  710 , through which a circular alignment member  715  extends. Alignment member  715  is disposed eccentrically in opening  710 . It is contemplated that in some examples, alignment member  715  may be disposed differently in opening  710 . Moreover, in some examples, opening  710  or alignment member  715  may have a shape different than circular. 
       FIG. 8 , in turn, shows a schematic top plan view of example component  505  placed on an example substrate  805 . Substrate  805  may be similar to substrate  705 , with one difference being that substrate  805  comprises two circular openings  810  and  815 , and two alignment members  820  and  825  extending respectively through openings  810  and  815 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 9 , a schematic top plan view is shown of example component  505  placed on an example substrate  905 . Substrate  905  may be similar to substrate  805 , with one difference being that substrate  905  comprises two rectangular openings  910  and  915 . Two alignment members  920  and  925  may extend through openings  910  and  915 . While alignment members  920  and  925  are depicted as being disposed eccentrically and against one side of openings  910  and  915 , it is contemplated that in some examples the alignment members may be positioned differently in the openings. 
     The initial position of component  505  on substrate  905  is shown in dashed lines. Component  505  may be moved, for example along the direction of arrow  907 , to abut against alignment members  920  and  925 . Moreover, it is contemplated that in some examples component  505  may be moved to abut against alignment members  920  and  925  along a path or direction different than the direction shown by arrow  907 . 
     In the abutting configuration, alignment member  920  contacts a first side  930  of component  505 , and alignment member  925  contacts a second side  935  of component  505 . Alignment members  920  and  925  contacting two different sides of component  505  may in turn allow component  505  to be aligned on substrate  905  along two linearly independent directions, such as the directions marked by arrows  940  and  945 . 
       FIG. 10 , in turn, shows a schematic top plan view of example component  505  placed on example substrate  905 . In  FIG. 10 , two alignment members  1005  and  1010  with circular cross-sections extend through opening  910 , and two alignment members  1015  and  1020  also with circular cross-sections extend through opening  915 . It is contemplated that in some examples, different numbers, shapes, or sizes of alignment members may extend through openings  910  and  915 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 11 , a schematic top plan view is shown of example component  505  placed on an example substrate  1105 . Substrate  1105  may be similar to substrate  905 , with one difference being that substrate  1105  comprises two circular openings  1110  and  1115 . Two alignment members  1120  and  1125  extend respectively through openings  1110  and  1115 . While alignment members  1120  and  1125  are shown as being disposed eccentrically in openings  1110  and  1115  respectively, it is contemplated that in some examples the alignment members may be disposed differently in openings  1110  and  1115 . 
       FIG. 12 , in turn, shows a schematic top plan view of example component  505  placed on an example substrate  1205 . Substrate  1205  may be similar to substrate  905 , with one difference being that opening  1210  in substrate  1205  is L-shaped. Alignment members  920  and  925  may extend through opening  1210 . The shape of opening  1210  may be described as corner-shaped, angled, L-shaped, wrap-around, or the like. The shape of opening  1210  may allow multiple alignment members to extend through opening  1210 , which alignment members may abut against two different sides of component  505 . 
     Moreover,  FIG. 13  shows a schematic top plan view of example component  505  placed on example substrate  1205 , with alignment members  1120  and  1125  extending through opening  1210 . Alignment member  1120  extends through one arm of the L-shaped opening  1210 , while alignment member  1125  extends through the second arm of opening  1210 . This positioning of alignment members  1120  and  1125  may allow the alignment members to contact two different sides of component  505 , thereby allowing component  505  to be aligned along two linearly independent directions on substrate  1205 . 
     Furthermore,  FIG. 14  shows a schematic top plan view of example component  505  placed on example substrate  1205 . An alignment member  1405  extends through opening  1210 . Alignment member  1405  is in turn L-shaped, which allows one arm of alignment member  1405  to come into contact with a first side of component  505 , while the second arm of alignment member  1405  may come into contact with a second side of component  505 . This, in turn, may allow component  505  to be aligned along two linearly independent directions on substrate  1205 . In addition, while alignment member  1405  is shown as being disposed eccentrically, or against one side of, opening  1210 , it is contemplated that in some examples alignment member  1405  may be disposed differently in opening  1210 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D , schematic side elevation views are shown of an example set of steps for aligning a component on a substrate.  FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D  may be similar to  FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D , with one difference being that in  FIG. 15C  substrate  210  is tilted. This tilting may cause the force of gravity to move or pull component  205  towards alignment member  225 . 
     In some examples, tilting may be combined with mechanical agitation such as vibration of substrate  210  and component  205 . Such mechanical agitation may assist with moving component  205  towards alignment member  225 . In addition, in some examples tilting may be combined with blowing a gas across a surface of substrate  210  to push component  205  towards alignment member  225 . Examples of the gas may include air, nitrogen, and the like. It is contemplated that in some examples a combination of mechanical agitation and blowing the gas across the substrate may be used to move the component. In such examples, moving the component need not comprise tilting the substrate. 
     Once component  205  is moved to abut against alignment member  225 , in some examples component  205  may be secured to substrate  210  while substrate  210  is tilted and alignment member  225  is extended through the opening in substrate  210 . Moreover, in some examples, after component  205  is moved to abut against alignment member  225 , substrate  210  is untilted and then component  205  is secured to substrate  210 , before alignment member  225  is retracted through the opening in substrate  210 . Furthermore, in some examples, after component  205  is moved to abut against alignment member  225 , substrate  210  is untilted and alignment member  225  is retracted through the opening in substrate  210 , before component  205  is secured to substrate  210 . 
     Turning now to  FIG. 16 , a schematic top plan view is shown of an example component  1605  placed on example substrate  1205 . Component  1605  may comprise side wall modules  1610  and  1615 , which may comprise magnetic or magnetizable materials, such as iron-containing materials and the like. Alignment members  1620  and  1625  may extend through opening  1210  in substrate  1205 . Alignment members  1620  and  1625  may be coupled to magnetic modules  1630  and  1635  respectively. Magnetic modules  1630  and  1635  may comprise permanent magnets, or electromagnets which become magnetic when electrified. 
     A magnetic attractive force between side wall modules  1610  and  1615  of component  1605  and magnetic modules  1630  and  1635  respectively may be used to move component  1605  towards alignment members  1620  and  1625 . In some examples, alignment members  1620  and  1625  may comprise permanent or electro magnets, in which case the alignment members need not be coupled to magnetic modules  1630  and  1635 . Moreover, in some examples component  1605  may comprise or be formed on a magnetic or magnetizable material, instead of or in addition to comprising side wall modules  1610  and  1615 . Examples of such magnetizable materials may include Kovar™, and the like. 
       FIG. 16  shows the use of magnetic attractive forces to move component  1605  in relation to substrate  1205  having an L-shaped opening  1210  through which two elongated alignment members  1620  and  1625  may extend. It is also contemplated that magnetic attractive forces may be used in the examples where the substrates have different numbers or shapes of openings, through which different numbers or shapes of alignment members may extend. 
     In some examples, a surface tension force may be used to move the component along the surface of the substrate and towards the alignment members. In order to use the surface tension force, a quantity of a liquid may be disposed on the substrate between the substrate and the component. As the liquid wets the component, the surface tension of the liquid may exert a force on the component which may move the component along the surface of the substrate. The placement and or distribution of the liquid on the substrate may be used to set the direction or path of the movement of the component. 
     In some examples the quantity of the liquid may comprises a plurality of sub-quantities of the liquid spaced from one another. Moreover, in some examples the sub-quantities may be arranged periodically on the substrate to form a grid.  FIG. 17  shows an example of a grid of sub-quantities of a liquid.  FIG. 17  shows a schematic top plan of an example component  505  placed on example substrate  1205 . A grid of periodically arranged liquid sub-quantities  1705  may be placed on substrate  1205 . Some of the liquid sub-quantities are shown in dashed lines to indicate that they are obscured by component  505  in the plan view shown in  FIG. 17 . 
     As liquid sub-quantities  1705  wet component  505 , their surface tension force may pull component  505  over and on top of liquid sub-quantities  1705 , thereby pulling component  505  towards alignment members  920  and  925 . In some examples, the liquid may comprise solder, which may also be used to secure component  505  to substrate  1205  once the solder solidifies. In some examples the solder may be provided in solid form disposed on the substrate, and then the solder may be melted to form the liquid quantity or sub-quantities on the substrate. In such examples, the component may be placed on the solder either before or after the solder is melted. 
     Furthermore, while  FIG. 17  shows a five-by-five array or gird of liquid sub-quantities, it is contemplated that in some examples the liquid may be distributed or arranged differently on the substrate. Moreover, in some examples the position of the liquid sub-quantities on the substrate may determine the position or alignment of the component on the substrate. In such examples, the component may be aligned on the substrate without the use of alignment members. In addition, while  FIG. 17  shows liquid sub-quantities  1705  disposed on substrate  1205  through whose opening  1210  alignment members  920  and  925  may extend, it is contemplated that liquid quantities or sub-quantities may be used to move components disposed on other substrates cooperating with different types of alignment members. 
       FIGS. 5-17  show one component being aligned on a substrate. It is also contemplated that the substrates, alignment members, and component moving techniques described in relation to  FIGS. 5-17  may be used to move and align multiple components on a substrate. Moreover,  FIGS. 5-17  show openings in the substrate that are rectangular, circular, or L-shaped. It is contemplated that in some examples the openings may have shapes other than rectangular, circular, and L-shaped. In addition, it is contemplated that in some examples the openings may comprise slits or notches in the substrate. 
     Furthermore, as discussed above, once the component is aligned on the substrate the component may be secured to the substrate by soldering the component to the substrate before the alignment member is retracted from the substrate. In order to reduce the likelihood of the solder adhering to the alignment members, the alignment members may comprise a solder non-adhesive material such as aluminum, a ceramic, and the like. In some examples, the alignment members may be coated in solder non-adhesive material. Moreover, in some examples the alignment members may be made of, or otherwise comprise, solder non-adhesive material. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  and method  100 , it is contemplated that in some examples the steps of method  100  may be performed in an order different than the order shown in  FIG. 1 . For example, while in  FIG. 1  the “securing” in box  120  appears before the “retracting” in box  125 , it is contemplated that in method  100  and the other methods described herein the alignment member may be retracted through the opening before the component is secured to the substrate. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 18A and 18B , schematic representations are shown of an example system  1800 , which may be used to align a component  1805  on a substrate  1810 . Component  1805  and substrate  1810  may be similar to the other components and substrates described herein. System  1800  comprises a substrate holder  1815  to hold substrate  1810 . In some examples substrate holder  1815  may comprise a reversible mechanical coupler to allow substrate  1810  to be secured to substrate holder  1815  during the operation of system  1800 , and then for substrate  1810  to be removed from substrate holder  1815  after component  1805  is aligned on and secured to substrate  1810 . 
     System  1800  may also comprise an alignment member  1820 , which may be extendable through an opening in substrate  1810  to assist in aligning component  1805 , as described herein in relation to  FIGS. 1-17 . It is contemplated that in some examples alignment member  1820  may have a shape or size different than those shown in  FIGS. 18A and 18B . For example, it is contemplated that the alignment member in system  1800  may have a shape, size, and number or arrangement of alignment members similar to those described herein in relation to  FIGS. 1-17 . In addition, it is contemplated that in some examples the alignment member may be a component of a jig, such as jig  425  (shown in  FIG. 4D ) and the like. 
     In addition, system  1800  may comprise an actuator  1825  mechanically coupled to alignment member  1820  via coupling  1830 , and mechanically coupled to substrate holder  1815  via coupling  1835 . Actuator  1825  may comprise a source of mechanical actuation, such as an electric motor, a servo, and the like. Couplings  1830  and  1835  may comprise direct or indirect mechanical couplings, which may be used to transmit the mechanical force generated by actuator  1825  to alignment member  1820  and substrate holder  1815  respectively. In this manner, actuator  1825  may be able to move alignment member  1820  and substrate holder  1815  relative to one another to bring them closer together or further away from one another.  FIG. 18A  shows alignment member  1820  and substrate holder  1815  in a configuration where alignment member  1820  is retracted from the opening in substrate  1810 . 
     While  FIG. 18A  shows actuator  1825  being mechanically coupled to and moving both substrate holder  1815  and alignment member  1820 , it is contemplated that in some examples the actuator may be mechanically coupled to and capable of moving one of the alignment member and the substrate holder. Arrow  1840  shows a set of directions along which actuator  1825  may move one or both of substrate holder  1815  and alignment member  1820  closer to or further from one another. Moreover, in examples where the alignment member is part of a jig, actuator  1825  may be mechanically coupled to the jig. In addition, it is contemplated that in some examples the substrate holder and the alignment member may be mechanically coupled to and actuated by separate actuators. 
     System  1800  may also comprise a component moving module to move component  1805  to abut against alignment member  1820  in the configuration shown in  FIG. 18B , in which configuration alignment member  1820  extends through an opening in substrate  1810 . This, in turn, may be used to align component  1805  relative to substrate  1810 . 
     In some examples, the component moving module may be incorporated into another part or module of system  1800 . For example, substrate holder  1815  and actuator  1825  may together function also as the component moving module. In such examples, actuator  1825  may move substrate holder  1815  to tilt the substrate to cause the force of gravity to pull component  1805  towards alignment member  1820 , as described for example in relation to  FIGS. 15A-D . Moreover, in some examples actuator  1825  may also mechanically agitate or vibrate substrate holder  1815 , and thereby substrate  1810 , to facilitate the movement of component  1805  on substrate  1810 . Furthermore, in some examples the component moving module may also comprise a gas blowing module (not shown) to blow a gas across the surface of substrate  1810  to facilitate movement of component  1805  on substrate  1810 . It is contemplated that in some examples the tilting or the mechanical agitation mechanisms may be separate from actuator  1825 . 
     In addition, in some examples the component moving module may be a part of or be incorporated into alignment member  1820 . For example, alignment member  1820  may comprise a permanent magnet, which may then exert an attractive magnetic force on component  1805  when the alignment member is extended through the opening in substrate  1810 . Moreover, in some examples the component moving module may comprise a separate permanent magnet coupled to alignment member  1820 . 
     Furthermore, in some examples the component moving module may comprise an electromagnet. In some examples, this electromagnet may be formed by placing windings around alignment member  1820 , or by otherwise electrifying alignment member  1820 . Moreover, in some examples the electromagnet may be separate from and coupled to alignment member  1820 . 
     In some examples, the component moving module may comprise a liquid dispenser (not shown) to dispense quantities of liquid on substrate  1810 . As the liquid quantities wet component  1805 , the surface tension force of the liquid may move component  1805  towards alignment member  1820 , as described herein in relation to  FIG. 17 . 
     System  1800  may also comprise a component securing module  1845 , which may be used to secure component  1805  to substrate  1810  after component  1805  is aligned relative to substrate  1810  and before alignment member  1820  is retracted from the opening in substrate  1810 . In some examples, component securing module  1845  may comprise an energy source to heat and melt solid solder disposed between component  1805  and substrate  1810 . For example, such an energy source may comprise a laser, a radiative heater or heat lamp, an ultrasound emitter, a furnace, and the like. 
     In some examples, the component securing module may comprise an applicator for applying solder, an adhesive, an overcoating layer, and the like, to secure component  1805  to substrate  1810 . Moreover, in  FIGS. 18A and 18B , component securing module  1845  is shown as being in communication with actuator  1825  via a link  1850 . It is contemplated that in some examples component securing module  1845  need not be in communication with actuator  1825 . 
       FIG. 18B  shows a further configuration in which alignment member  1820  extends through an opening in substrate  1810 . Actuator  1825  may move substrate holder  1815  or alignment member  1820  relative to one another between the configuration shown in  FIG. 18A  and the configuration shown in  FIG. 18B . 
     In some examples, system  1800  may perform method  100  and the other methods described herein. In addition, in some examples system  1800  may comprise alignment members or jigs, or work with substrates, as described herein in relation to  FIGS. 1-17 . It is also contemplated that in some examples system  1800  may perform methods or functions other than those described in relation to  FIGS. 1-17 . Moreover, it is contemplated that method  100  and the other methods described herein may be performed using system  1800  and the other systems described herein, or using other systems different than the systems described herein. 
     In addition, in some examples the methods and systems described herein may be used to improve the accuracy of the positioning or alignment of a component on a substrate. For example, in Tape and Reel manufacturing methods, the accuracy of the positioning of a component on a substrate may be about ±100 μm. In some examples, the alignment members described herein may be positioned relative to the substrate with an accuracy of about ±10 μm. As described herein, these alignment members may in turn be used to align the components on the substrate, also to an accuracy of about ±10 μm. 
     Throughout this specification and the appended claims, infinitive verb forms are often used. Examples include, without limitation: “to align,” “to form,” “to cause,” “to attract,” and the like. Unless the specific context requires otherwise, such infinitive verb forms are used in an open, inclusive sense, that is as “to, at least, align,” to, at least, form,” “to, at least, cause,” and so on. 
     The above description of illustrated example implementations, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Although specific implementations of and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art. Moreover, the various example implementations described herein may be combined to provide further implementations. 
     In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific implementations disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible implementations along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.