Component Mounting Machine Fixed Camera Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing component mounting machines have limited imaging capabilities, making it difficult to determine the origin of errors within the machine, as they can only detect local issues and not the entire inner portion, leading to challenges in appropriately handling detected errors.

Innovation Solution

A component mounting machine equipped with a fixed camera positioned to capture a wide range from the pickup to the mounting position, allowing for imaging of the movable region, along with a control device and memory section to store images during normal operation and stop capturing upon detecting abnormalities, enabling users to identify error causes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a local camera is used to monitor a specific area, then the measurement precision of that local area is improved, but the area of coverage is reduced making it impossible to determine the origin of errors in other portions of the machine

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror detection precisionVSAvoidimaging coverage area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from local monitoring to wide-area monitoring by repositioning the camera from a localized position to an elevated position above the component feeder, enabling the camera to capture the entire inner portion of the housing including the movable region. This dimensional change in camera placement allows simultaneous observation of multiple components and their movements, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and coverage area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple cameras are deployed to cover the entire inner portion, then the area of coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging coverage areaVSAvoidcamera system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes a single camera serve multiple functions by positioning it to simultaneously monitor the component feeder, suction nozzle movements, and circuit substrate mounting area. This single camera replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized cameras, reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage of the inner portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a fixed camera is used to capture the entire movable region, then the ease of operation for error analysis is improved, but the cost of the imaging system may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror analysis easeVSAvoidsystem implementation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a fixed camera system that continuously captures images of the entire movable region before errors occur, storing these images for later analysis. This preliminary capture of operational states allows operators to easily analyze error causes by reviewing pre-captured images, eliminating the need for complex real-time analysis systems while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3346816B1Component-mounting machine
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 FUJI CORP
  • EP3346816B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3346816B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3346816B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

There is provided technology which is a component mounting machine which mounts electronic components onto a circuit substrate and is capable of displaying a movable region of an inner portion of the component mounting machine within a same image. The component mounting machine is provided with a fixed camera which monitors the inner portion of the component mounting machine and a display section which is capable of displaying a captured image of the fixed camera. The fixed camera is capable of imaging a range from a pickup position at which the suction nozzle picks up the electronic component which is supplied from the component feeder to a mounting position at which the electronic component is mounted onto the circuit substrate within the same image.