AGV Transfer System for Feeder and Cartridge Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for transferring feeders and cartridges in electronic component placement machines are inflexible, lack positioning accuracy, and require significant manual intervention, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for dedicated equipment and slow operation.

Innovation Solution

A transfer system utilizing an automatic-guided vehicle (AGV) with a mechanical positioning system, including an engagement actuator and storage unit, allows for precise positioning and transfer of feeders or cartridges between the vehicle and the machine, enabling both set-up changes and replenishment changes with improved accuracy and speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a rail-guided exchanging device is used for feeder transfer, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to dedicated equipment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling a single AGV to serve multiple functions: it can transfer both feeders and cartridges between storage locations and production lines, eliminating the need for dedicated equipment for each function. The AGV's modular payload capacity allows it to adapt to different transfer requirements, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy through its inherent navigation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If manual processes are used for refilling and retooling, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to high personnel input requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through automated feeder and cartridge transfer operations. The AGV autonomously navigates to storage locations, retrieves required components, and delivers them to production lines without manual intervention. This automation eliminates the need for high personnel input while maintaining operational flexibility, significantly improving productivity without requiring overly complex dedicated equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If dedicated exchanging devices are provided for each production line, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling a single AGV to serve multiple production lines through its autonomous navigation and modular payload capabilities. The AGV can be dynamically assigned to different lines as needed, providing reliable feeder and cartridge transfer services without requiring dedicated equipment for each line. This reduces overall device complexity and space requirements while maintaining high reliability through consistent automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If AGV with mechanical positioning system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy may worsen compared to rail-guided systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the mechanical rail-guided positioning system with an AGV-based system that uses electronic navigation and control. Instead of physical rails that constrain movement, the AGV uses sensors, processors, and control algorithms to achieve precise positioning and navigation. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while providing sufficient positioning accuracy for feeder and cartridge transfer operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4346346A1Transfer system
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 ASMPT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4346346A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4346346A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4346346A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A transfer system for transferring items between a vehicle and a receptacle of a machine, comprises a vehicle-side positioning dock mounted to the vehicle, an engagement actuator, and a storage unit for storing at least one item, the storage unit being movably mounted on the vehicle, and including a front face that is adapted to lie adjacent to the receptacle, a vehicle-side positioning member and a machine-side positioning member, and the engagement actuator is operative to move the storage unit between a retracted position in which the vehicle-side positioning member engages with the vehicle-side positioning dock to position the storage unit relative to the vehicle, and a transfer position in which the machine-side positioning member may engage with a machine-side positioning dock located proximate the receptacle to position the storage unit relative to the machine.