Automated Feeder Holding Device with Detection and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need in the industry to minimize manual work in operating pick and place machines, particularly in handling feeder devices that provide electronic components, and to create a controlled environment for moisture-sensitive components.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with a basic body, opening device, detection device, and control device that automates the opening and closing of the holding volume to facilitate the insertion and removal of feeder devices, while maintaining an airtight environment using a dehumidification device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling of feeder devices is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases due to increased manual work
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device automatically detects the presence of a transport device and autonomously opens and closes the holding volume without manual intervention. The detection device senses the transport device, and the control device automatically actuates the opening device, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating manual handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of opening and closing the holding volume is replaced with an automated system comprising a detection device, control device, and actuated opening device. This substitution of mechanical manual labor with an automated control system increases productivity while maintaining ease of operation through automatic functionality.
2Reliability
If the holding volume is left open for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to moisture exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The opening device is designed to automatically close the holding volume after the transport device has inserted or removed the feeder device. This preliminary closing action ensures that the holding volume is sealed before the next operation, preventing moisture exposure and maintaining reliability without requiring manual checking or intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device provides feedback about the presence of the transport device to the control device, which then automatically actuates the opening device to open the holding volume only when necessary. This feedback mechanism ensures the holding volume remains closed and protected most of the time, maintaining reliability while allowing easy access when needed through automatic detection and actuation.
3Productivity
If automated opening and closing is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device serves multiple functions: it detects the presence of the transport device, triggers the opening device to open the holding volume, and enables automatic closing after the operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining high productivity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary between the detection device and the opening device, coordinating their operations. This intermediary component manages the automation logic centrally, reducing the complexity that would otherwise be distributed across multiple independent systems. The control device integrates the detection signal and translates it into appropriate opening and closing actions, simplifying the overall system design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The holding device significantly reduces manual labor in handling feeder devices and maintains a controlled, dry environment for moisture-sensitive components, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the pick and place machine operation.
Implementation Method 1
The holding device (10) comprises a dehumidification device (50) for dehumidifying the air in the holding volume (22)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a holding device (10) for holding a plurality of feeder devices (140) for providing electronic components (110) to a pick and place machine, the holding device (10) comprising a basic body (20) with a holding volume (22) for holding the plurality of feeder devices (140) and at least one opening device (40) for opening and closing the holding volume (22), wherein the holding device (10) comprises a detection device (60) and a control device (70), wherein the detection device (60) is designed to detect a transport device (160) separate from the holding device (10) for transporting at least one feeder device (140) and the control device (70) is designed to automatically open and close the opening device (40) on the basis of the detected transport device (160). The invention also relates to a holding process (200).