Centralized Feeder Storage for Component Mounting Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

In component mounting lines with multiple machines, the conventional storage container configuration adjacent to each machine leads to increased line length and reduced usability due to the need for individual replenishment and collection of component supply units.

Innovation Solution

A centralized unit storage container and exchanging device that moves along the conveyance direction to facilitate the exchange of component supply units across multiple machines, allowing for efficient loading and unloading, and optionally positioned at the end of the machine arrangement to minimize movement distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a storage container is provided adjacent to each component mounting machine, then automatic exchange of component supply units is enabled, but the total length of the component mounting line increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic exchange of component supply unitsVSAvoidtotal length of component mounting line

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple storage containers adjacent to each component mounting machine are merged into a single centralized storage container. The unit exchanging device visits different positions along the conveyance direction to exchange component supply units with multiple component mounting machines, consolidating what would otherwise be multiple separate storage locations into one shared resource.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single storage container serves multiple component mounting machines sequentially. The unit exchanging device can deliver component supply units to any component mounting machine along the conveyance direction, making the storage container a universal supply source for all machines rather than being dedicated to a single machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a storage container is provided adjacent to each component mounting machine, then component supply is ensured, but usability is reduced due to the need for individual replenishment and collection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent supply ensuringVSAvoidusability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Individual replenishment and collection operations for each storage container are merged into a single centralized operation. Operators can replenish or collect component supply units from one location (the single storage container) rather than visiting multiple separate storage containers, simplifying the operational process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unit exchanging device automatically handles the exchange of component supply units between the storage container and component mounting machines without requiring manual intervention for each exchange operation, reducing the burden on operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple storage containers are provided for multiple component mounting machines, then each machine has dedicated supply, but the complexity of managing individual replenishment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvededicated supply for each machineVSAvoidcomplexity of managing replenishment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple replenishment management tasks are merged into a single centralized management process. The control device manages one storage container and coordinates exchanges with multiple component mounting machines, reducing the complexity of tracking and managing multiple separate replenishment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4138535A1Component mounting line

Publication Date: 2023.02.22 FUJI CORP

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AI summary

Component mounting line 10 includes multiple component mounting machines 20 arranged along a conveyance direction of a board, feeder storage container 60 that stores multiple feeders 30 that are attachable and detachable to component mounting machine 20, and exchanging robot 50 capable of exchanging feeder 30 between feeder storage container 60 and each of the component mounting machines 20, in which feeder storage container 60 is installed in the same arrangement as the multiple component mounting machines 20, and exchanging robot 50 moves along the conveyance direction of the board and exchanges feeder 30. Accordingly, regardless of which of the component mounting machines 20 feeder 30 is used in, replenishment and collection may be performed in feeder storage container 60, so that an operator can easily replenish and collect feeder 30.