Automated Feeder Exchange Robot for Component Mounting Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing component mounting systems face productivity delays due to manual feeder exchange processes, which hinder swift switching between board types during production.
Innovation Solution
An automated feeder exchange system using an exchanging robot that performs feeder exchanges in parallel with component mounting work, allowing for simultaneous preparation and execution of feeder changes before and after board type switching, and optionally utilizing multiple robots for increased efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual feeder exchange work is performed by an operator after completing production of the previous board type, then the feeder exchange can be completed accurately, but the productivity is lowered due to the delay in production starting time of the next board type
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary feeder exchange actions during the production of the previous board type. Specifically, feeders that will be needed for the next board type are prepared and positioned in advance, so that when the board type switching occurs, the actual exchange time is minimized or eliminated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous production by overlapping the feeder exchange process with the production process. While the component mounting machine continues to mount components on the current board type, the feeder exchange is performed in parallel, ensuring that production does not stop during the transition to the next board type.
2Extent of automation
If automatic feeder exchange is performed using an exchanging robot after completing the production of the previous board type, then the feeder exchange work is automated, but it still takes time to perform the feeder exchange work and productivity is not improved
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic exchanging robot performs preliminary feeder exchange actions during the production of the previous board type, preparing feeders for the next board type in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when board type switching occurs, the actual exchange time is minimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous production by performing the automatic feeder exchange in parallel with the component mounting production. The exchanging robot operates simultaneously with the production process, ensuring that automation does not create production interruptions.
3Device complexity
If feeders are exchanged sequentially after board type switching is completed, then the production process can be simplified, but the switching time from previous board type to next board type increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary feeder preparation and positioning during the production of the previous board type, so that when switching to the next board type, the actual exchange requires minimal time. This preliminary action reduces the loss of time during board type switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous production by overlapping the feeder exchange process with the production process. The exchange operations are performed in parallel with component mounting, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous useful action throughout the board type transition.
Data Source
AI summary
A component mounting system comprising a feeder stocking area in which feeders to be exchanged with feeders for which exchanging is necessary from among multiple feeders which are set in the feeder setting area of each of the component mounting machines are caused to wait; and an exchanging robot which removes the feeders for which exchanging is necessary from the feeder setting area of each of the component mounting machines, removes the feeders to be exchanged with the feeders for which exchanging is necessary from among the multiple feeders which wait in the feeder stocking area, and sets the feeders in the feeder setting area of the component mounting machine.