Surface mount technology process management system for material management and placement

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a system comprises: a database storing production plan data and a material inventory state; an identifier generation unit for managing production model-specific data, generating a unique identifier for time division according to the production plan data, wherein the unique identifier is generated in barcode form including a production number and equipment information; a planning unit for determining a first material pertaining to a first production plan included in the production plan data via a scan device on the basis of the unique identifier; and a feeder for accessing the database and placing, from a docking cart, the first material included in the first production plan corresponding to the unique identifier scanned via the scan device.

Description

Surface Mount Technology Process Management System for Materials Management and Placement

[0001] Embodiments of the present specification relate to a technology for improving production efficiency and material management efficiency in an assembly process of an electronic product, particularly a manufacturing process using surface mount technology (SMT).

[0002] In the electronics manufacturing process, surface mount technology (SMT) is a precision technology that demands a high degree of precision and reliability. The SMT process places electronic components on a circuit board and secures them to the board through a reflow soldering process. This process has significantly contributed to the miniaturization and high performance of electronic products.

[0003] However, this SMT process required repeated verification of the standard information to be produced at each production location, as the work location changed for each production step. This information included the product's production model, progress status, and the appropriateness of each step. This information was primarily verified and managed manually by workers. This structure made real-time information updates difficult and prone to worker errors and omissions. Furthermore, responsibility and roles for accidents occurring during the transfer process between stages were unclear, further hindering the efficiency of process management.

[0004] Furthermore, existing management methods had limitations in integrating real-time data, such as production model-specific progress and material usage. This resulted in various inefficiencies, including under- or over-use of materials, inventory management difficulties, and production schedule delays. These inefficiencies led to increased manufacturing costs, impacting the price competitiveness of the final product.

[0005] The background technology described above is technical information that the inventor possessed for the purpose of deriving the present invention or acquired during the process of deriving the present invention, and cannot necessarily be said to be technology disclosed to the general public prior to the application for the present invention.

[0006] The various embodiments described herein are proposed to address the aforementioned issues. The present invention aims to provide an SMT process management system capable of optimizing material placement and management in real time based on production plans and material inventory status, thereby enhancing manufacturing process flexibility, increasing production efficiency, and reducing inventory management costs. Furthermore, the present invention aims to improve the overall quality and reliability of the manufacturing process by enabling rapid response to manufacturing process variability, enhancing the accuracy of material usage, and facilitating the management of production history and status information.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-described object, a system in a surface mount technology (SMT) process according to one embodiment of the present specification may include: a database storing production plan data and a material inventory status; an identifier generation unit managing data by production model and generating a unique identifier for time division according to the production plan data, wherein the unique identifier is generated in a barcode format including a production number and equipment information; a planning unit determining a first material related to a first production plan included in the production plan data through a scanning device based on the unique identifier; and a fitter accessing the database and placing the first material included in the first production plan corresponding to the unique identifier scanned through the scanning device from a docking cart.

[0008] The system may further include a user interface that provides information on the type, quantity and location of materials included in the production plan data.

[0009] The above system may further include a tracking unit for tracking the position of the docking cart.

[0010] The above system may further include a production management unit that manages production history and status information for the production model based on the unique identifier.

[0011] The planning unit identifies the quantity of the first material in the database, and if the quantity of the first material is insufficient, determines the second material as a substitute material, and the feeder can access the database and place the second material included in the first production plan corresponding to the unique identifier scanned by the scanning device from a docking cart.

[0012] The above unique identifier may be a time-limited identifier that is set to be valid only during the period of the first production plan.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the flexibility and production efficiency of the manufacturing process can be improved through real-time material placement and management based on production plan data and material inventory status.

[0014] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a surface mount technology (SMT) process system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 is a flowchart schematically illustrating the operation of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a unique identifier according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a screen schematically illustrating a screen according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] The terms used in this invention are used only to describe specific embodiments and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art described in this invention. Terms defined in general dictionaries among the terms used in this invention may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning in the context of the related technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this invention. In some cases, even if a term is defined in this invention, it cannot be interpreted to exclude embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] Below, various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present invention. However, the technical idea of ​​the present invention can be modified and implemented in various forms and is therefore not limited to the embodiments described in this specification. In describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, a detailed description of the known technology will be omitted. Identical or similar components will be given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0022] Here, the term '~ part' used in this embodiment refers to a component that performs a specific function performed by software or hardware such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). However, the '~ part' is not limited to being performed by software or hardware. The '~ part' may exist in the form of data stored in an addressable storage medium, or may be implemented by instructions so that one or more processors are configured to perform a specific function.

[0023] Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, and may configure a processing device to perform a desired operation or, independently or collectively, command the processing device. The software and / or data may be permanently or temporarily embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage media or devices, or transmitted signal waves, for interpretation by the processing device or for providing instructions or data to the processing device. The software may be distributed over networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. The software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media. The software may be read into main memory from another computer-readable medium, such as a data storage device, or from another device via a communications interface. Software instructions stored in main memory may cause the processor to perform processes or steps, which will be described in detail below. Alternatively, processes consistent with the principles of the present invention can be implemented using hardwired circuitry instead of, or in combination with, software instructions. Therefore, embodiments consistent with the principles of the present invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0024] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprises" or "has" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a surface mount technology (SMT) process system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Surface mount technology (SMT) refers to a system that allows electronic components to be mounted on the surface of a circuit board (PCB).

[0026] A system according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a control server (101), SMT equipment (103), a feeder (not shown), and a docking cart (not shown).

[0027] The control server (101) comprises at least one computer device and can perform overall control of the manufacturing process, including production efficiency, quality control, process monitoring, data collection, and analysis. This control server (101) can centrally and comprehensively manage all equipment and systems of the SMT line. Through this, the control server (101) can perform smooth data exchange and process synchronization between equipment, thereby increasing the efficiency and consistency of the production process. The control server (101) can also create a work schedule based on production goals and priorities, monitor quality issues that may arise during the production process in real time, and perform data analysis.

[0028] For example, such a control server (101) may be a concept encompassing a production management system (MES) and a quality management system (QMS).

[0029] SMT equipment (103) may refer to any mounting equipment that can be used to attach electronic components to a printed circuit board (PCB). For example, SMT equipment (103) may encompass a solder paste printer, a pick and place machine, a reflow oven, and an inspection equipment. Components may be supplied to such SMT equipment (103) via a feeder.

[0030] A feeder can be a device that supplies components to a pick-and-place machine. Components can be provided in various forms, such as reels, tubes, or trays, and the feeder can deliver these components to the SMT equipment (103) in the correct location and order.

[0031] Docking carts can be used to facilitate the smooth transfer of parts between equipment in SMT production lines. These docking carts are equipped with materials, and a separate barcode-like identifier can be attached to one side of the cart to facilitate quick and easy loading of feeders or prepared part trays onto the equipment.

[0032] A system according to one embodiment of the present invention can generate a unique identifier for time division according to production plan data and match it with a cart identifier corresponding to a docking cart, thereby improving the efficiency of logistics and process management.

[0033] Figure 2 is a flowchart schematically illustrating the operation of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Referring to Figure 2, the system can generate production plan data at step S210. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the system can establish a comprehensive plan required for the production of a specific product. For example, the system can analyze market demand, inventory levels, delivery schedules, etc. to determine the type and quantity of products to be produced, and generate production plan data including the production schedule, the amount of required materials and resources, and the configuration of the production line. This system can derive the production plan using planning and scheduling (AP&S) software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, etc.

[0035] A system according to one embodiment of the present invention can procure and prepare materials at step S220. The system can check internal inventory based on the list of materials specified in the production plan.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system can establish a production plan at step S230. The system can determine the configuration and work order of the production line. The system can incorporate into the production plan data the efficient layout of the production line, the optimization of the work order, and the necessary machine and personnel allocation plans.

[0037] A system according to one embodiment of the present invention can generate a unique identifier at step S240. The system can manage data for each production model and generate a unique identifier for time division according to production plan data. For example, the system can generate a unique identifier for each production batch or unit based on the production plan and material readiness status. The system generates a unique identifier for each product or batch according to the production plan, and this unique identifier may include the product's production number, production date, equipment information, etc. The production plan corresponding to this unique identifier has a unique time frame, and the associated identifier can be set to be valid only during that period.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system can allocate materials to production models at step S250. The system uses a unique identifier to determine the type and quantity of materials required for each production model or batch, checks the availability of those materials in a database, and then allocates the required materials to the corresponding production line.

[0039] Additionally, a system according to one embodiment of the present invention can provide a task guide to the user at step S250. The user can scan a barcode corresponding to a unique identifier to check the current task progress and compare it to the expected task steps to identify any delays. Furthermore, the system can determine whether the task step has already been completed, whether it should be passed on to the next step, whether it should be returned to the previous step, or whether the task should continue at the current step, and provide the user with appropriate action.

[0040] A system according to one embodiment of the present invention can configure a feeder and docking cart at step S260. The system can prepare and configure the necessary feeder based on the assigned materials. For example, the system can match a cart identifier on one side of a docking cart with a unique identifier, and assign the materials contained in the cart to a production batch corresponding to the unique identifier.

[0041] Additionally, the system according to one embodiment of the present invention can manage the work history of each work step at step S260. The system records the workers who performed the work and the work time for each step, stores the work history, and associates it with a unique identifier to monitor and analyze the work progress and worker productivity.

[0042] A system according to one embodiment of the present invention can perform docking cart loading and production at step S270. The system can load materials prepared on the docking cart into the production line, and SMT equipment can use the materials to mount components.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a unique identifier according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, a unique identifier can be matched by a control server (101) and a docking cart (301).

[0044] A unique identifier is an identification code in barcode format that contains information such as a production model, equipment information, and a production schedule. Based on this unique identifier, the control server (101) can manage data for each production model. Based on this unique identifier, the control server (101) can perform production planning, material preparation, and placement. The production plan corresponding to the unique identifier has a unique time frame, and the unique identifier can be set to be valid only during that period.

[0045] The cart identifier is an identification code attached to the docking cart (301), and the database can store information related to materials assigned to the docking cart based on the cart identifier. The docking cart is equipped with a cart identifier, and the control server (101) can manage information on the type, quantity, and arrangement of materials loaded onto the cart based on the cart identifier.

[0046] The system recognizes the cart identifier of the docking cart using a scanning device and transmits it to the control server (101), and the control server (101) can allocate materials related to the production plan included in the production plan data by matching the unique identifier with the cart identifier.

[0047] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a screen according to one embodiment of the present invention. The control server can generate a user interface and provide it to a user terminal. The user terminal can display a user interface containing content on the screen via at least one display.

[0048] The screen may include information about the structure and arrangement of graphic objects, as well as information about items and contents included in the user interface. In addition, the screen configuration information may be created with commands, and may be web scripts created in various web languages ​​such as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), JavaScript (Java Script), and XML (eXtensible Markup Language). That is, the user terminal may receive a user interface and contents, and display them on the screen by rendering them based on web languages ​​such as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), JavaScript (Java Script), and XML (eXtensible Markup Language).

[0049] The screen can be divided into multiple areas. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the first area (410) can manage data by production plan by indexing based on a unique identifier (411).

[0050] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a system according to one embodiment of the present invention. The system may include a database (510), a scanning device (520), an identifier generation unit (530), a planning unit (540), a tracking unit (550), a production management unit (560), SMT equipment (570), a feeder (580), and a docking cart (590). Although the system is illustrated as being configured by the database (510), the scanning device (520), the identifier generation unit (530), the planning unit (540), the tracking unit (550), the production management unit (560), SMT equipment (570), a feeder (580), and a docking cart (590), the system is not necessarily limited thereto. That is, each component of the system may exist as a physically independent component.

[0051] The database (510) can store production planning data such as production models, work schedules, lists of required materials, material quantities, and JOB / Recipe files. This database (510) includes detailed information necessary for material management, such as current inventory quantities of materials, location information, and receipt / shipment records. It also records the production progress status, completion status, and production history of each production model, enabling real-time monitoring and management of production status. Furthermore, the database (510) can search and retrieve specific data upon user request. For example, the database can search for and provide required data upon request from the production management department (560) or the planning department (540).

[0052] The scanning device (520) can use an optical sensor to identify light and dark spaces (bars and spaces) of a barcode and convert them into digital data. For example, the cart identifier placed on the docking cart (590) can be sensed based on a laser scanning method, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) method, an image capture method, etc.

[0053] The identifier generation unit (530) manages data for each production model and can generate a unique identifier for each production model. This identifier enables temporal segmentation based on production plan data, and each identifier may include a production number and equipment information.

[0054] The planning unit (540) can determine the materials required for a process and select appropriate substitute materials based on the material supply and demand situation. For example, the planning unit (540) can determine the first material for the first production plan included in the production plan data through a scanning device based on a unique identifier, identify the quantity of the first material, and, if the quantity of the first material is insufficient, determine the second material as a substitute.

[0055] The tracking unit (550) can track the real-time location of a docking cart based on the matching relationship between the cart identifier and the unique identifier of the docking cart, thereby tracking the location on which line it is placed at a given point in time. The tracking unit (550) can track the movement path and allocation path of the docking cart based on the allocation relationship without a separate sensor.

[0056] The production management unit (560) can record production history for production models. The production management unit (560) can analyze production data to determine indicators such as production efficiency, production volume, material usage, and machine operating hours. The production management unit (560) monitors the status of the production process, thereby identifying problems such as production schedule delays, material shortages, and equipment failures.

[0057] SMT equipment (570) is equipment that mounts electronic components on a circuit board using surface mounting technology, a feeder (580) is a device that transfers materials to the SMT equipment (570), and a docking cart (590) can transport materials and move them to the SMT equipment.

[0058] Although the embodiments described above have been described by way of limited examples and drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made based on the above teachings. For example, appropriate results can still be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. are combined or combined in a different manner than described, or are replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents.

[0059] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims described below.

Claims

1. In the system of surface mount technology (SMT) process, A database that stores production planning data and material inventory status; An identifier generation unit that manages data by production model and generates a unique identifier for time division according to the production plan data, wherein the unique identifier is generated in a barcode format including a production number and equipment information; A planning unit that determines a first material for a first production plan included in the production plan data through a scanning device based on the unique identifier; and A system characterized by including a fitter that accesses the database and places the first material included in the first production plan corresponding to the unique identifier scanned through the scanning device from a docking cart.

2. In paragraph 1, A system further comprising a user interface that provides information on the type, quantity and location of materials included in the above production plan data.

3. In paragraph 1, A system further characterized by including a tracking unit for tracking the position of the docking cart.

4. In paragraph 1, A system further comprising a production management unit that manages production history and status information for the production model based on the unique identifier.

5. In paragraph 1, The above planning unit identifies the quantity of the first material in the database, and if the quantity of the first material is insufficient, determines the second material as a substitute material, A system characterized in that the feeder accesses the database and places the second material included in the first production plan corresponding to the unique identifier scanned through the scanning device from a docking cart.

6. In paragraph 1, A system characterized in that the above unique identifier is a time-limited identifier that is set to be valid only during the period of the first production plan.

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