Component Loading Platform Identification for Accurate Part Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing component supply systems face challenges in reliably setting the correct loading platform for components, leading to potential errors in component supply due to human oversight or misconfiguration.

Innovation Solution

A component supply system that includes a stage for scattering components, a holding tool for picking up components, a setting section for multiple loading platforms with recesses, and a memory device linking identification markers on the loading platforms to the type of components, ensuring accurate matching and loading of components based on their types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple loading platforms are provided for different component types, then the system can supply different components, but it becomes difficult to reliably set the correct loading platform for the scheduled component

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to supply different component typesVSAvoidaccuracy of setting correct loading platform
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an identification section on each loading platform that provides feedback information about the component type associated with that platform. The control device receives this identification information and compares it with the scheduled component type, creating a feedback loop that ensures the correct loading platform is selected and prevents mismatched component supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

An identification section acts as an intermediary between the loading platform and the control device. This intermediary carries identification information that mediates the matching process, allowing the control device to automatically determine which loading platform should be used for the scheduled component without direct human intervention or complex decision logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If manual setting of loading platforms is used, then the system structure is simple, but human error or misconfiguration can occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of system structureVSAvoidaccuracy of component-platform matching
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The loading platform itself provides the identification information through its identification section, enabling self-identification and self-validation. The system automatically determines the correct platform setting based on the identification information provided by the platform, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing human error while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical setting operations with an automated information-based system. Instead of relying on physical adjustment and human judgment, the system uses identification sections and control logic to automatically determine and set the correct loading platform, substituting mechanical/manual processes with automated detection and decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3537862B1Component supply system
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 FUJI CORP
  • EP3537862B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3537862B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3537862B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A loose component supply device provided with: a stage configured to support scattered components; a holding tool configured to hold a component scattered on the stage; and a component reception member in which is formed a component reception recess in accordance with the component, the device supplying components in a state with the component held by the holding tool loaded in the component reception recess of the component reception member. With the loose component supply device, a setting section is provided for setting any of multiple of the component reception members. An identification plate is provided on the component reception member and a 2D code for identifying the type of the component that is able to be loaded in the component reception recess is provided on the identification plate. Thus, it is possible to confirm the type of component that is in accordance with the component reception member set on the setting section and to reliably set a component reception member that is in accordance with the component scheduled to be supplied on the setting section.