Bulk Feeder Vibration Alignment for Lower Recognition Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bulk feeders that supply components in a bulk state increase the load of image processing due to the need to determine the collectability and position of each component, and they are desired to be reduced in width.

Innovation Solution

A component mounting machine with a bulk feeder that aligns components using vibration and alignment members, reducing the width and processing load by efficiently aligning components in the supply region.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If components are supplied in a bulk state without alignment mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced and width is decreased, but the image processing load increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment mechanismVSAvoidimage processing load
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration mechanism performs preliminary alignment of components in the supply region before the suction nozzle attempts to collect them. This preliminary action organizes components into a favorable state for collection, reducing the complexity of image processing needed to identify collectable components while maintaining efficient supply

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Length of stationary object

If components are supplied in a bulk state, then the bulk feeder width is reduced, but the recognition processing load increases due to scattered component positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebulk feeder widthVSAvoidrecognition processing load
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

A vibration mechanism is introduced to the supply region to mechanically agitate and align scattered components. This vibration causes components to settle into organized patterns along the conveyance direction, enabling the bulk feeder to maintain a compact width while significantly reducing the recognition processing load by presenting components in a more predictable, aligned configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 solution allows for efficient supply of multiple components while reducing the machine's width and the recognition processing load, ensuring components are aligned and easily collectable.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration device that vibrates the track member so as to convey the multiple components along the conveyance direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

an alignment member that aligns the multiple components in the supply region As

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4061107B1Bulk feeder and component mounting machine
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 FUJI CORP
  • EP4061107B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4061107B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4061107B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A bulk feeder includes a feeder main body, a track member having a reception region in which multiple components discharged from a component case accommodating the components in a bulk state are received, a supply region to which the components are supplied, and a conveyance path of the components from the reception region to the supply region, a vibration device configured to apply vibration to the track member such that the components on the conveyance path are conveyed, and an alignment member configured to guide the multiple components conveyed by the vibration of the track member and align the components with respect to the feeder main body.