Compact Electronic Assembly Cell with Transfer Robot
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly and testing of electronic assemblies require large machines that consume significant factory floor space, making it desirable to minimize the size and complexity of electronic apparatus manufacturing cells.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus manufacturing cell design featuring an infeed conveyor, a pass conveyor parallel to the infeed conveyor, and a reject conveyor, with a transfer robot to move electronic apparatuses between these conveyors based on processing outcomes, allowing for efficient processing and transfer within a compact space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large machines are used for assembly and testing of electronic assemblies, then the processing capability and reliability are improved, but the factory floor space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple processing functions (assembly, testing, characterization) into a single integrated manufacturing cell. The cell includes an infeed conveyor, processing stations, and an outfeed conveyor all within one compact structure, eliminating the need for separate large machines for each function and reducing overall floor space consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing cell is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform assembly, testing, and characterization operations on electronic assemblies. The transfer robot and processing stations are configured to handle multiple operations within the same cell, making the equipment versatile and reducing the need for dedicated separate machines for each function.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple conveyors and processing stations are integrated into a compact cell, then the factory floor space is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing cell is segmented into distinct functional modules: an infeed conveyor section, processing stations with transfer robot, and an outfeed conveyor section. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall compactness, and simplifies maintenance and operation by isolating functional areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional space arrangement within the manufacturing cell, positioning processing stations and conveyors in vertical and horizontal configurations that maximize space utilization. The transfer robot operates in vertical space above the conveyors, allowing multiple processing stations to be arranged in a compact footprint without increasing floor space consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A electronic apparatus manufacturing cell defining an electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope having a first side and having a second side opposite the first side. According to one aspect, the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell comprises an infeed conveyor, a pass conveyor and a reject conveyor. The infeed conveyor extends from a point outside of the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope on the first side to a point inside of the envelope. The pass conveyor extends from a point inside the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope to a point outside of the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope on the second side. The reject conveyor extends from a point inside the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope to a point outside of the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope on the first side.