Component Supply Unit Interface for Clear Mounting Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting devices for components on substrates often require operators to access and operate both the mounting device and the component supply unit, leading to unclear operation targets and potential errors due to ambiguous relationships between the two units.

Innovation Solution

A component supply unit is designed to be loaded on a mounting device, featuring a supply section, a connecting section for electrical connection, a unit operation panel for receiving operator inputs, and a control unit that outputs signals to the mounting device, allowing operation of the mounting device from the component supply unit without direct access to the mounting device's main operation panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the component supply unit is designed with a compact housing to be loaded on the mounting device, then the space utilization and integration are improved, but the operator cannot access the main operation panel when the component supply unit is loaded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing volumeVSAvoidaccess to main operation panel
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operation panel functionality is segmented into two separate interfaces: the main operation panel on the mounting device and the unit operation panel on the component supply unit. This segmentation allows the compact housing to block access to the main operation panel while the unit operation panel remains accessible on the component supply unit itself, resolving the contradiction between compact integration and operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The unit operation panel acts as an intermediary interface that enables the operator to control the component supply unit without needing to access the main operation panel of the mounting device. This intermediary panel receives operation inputs and transmits control signals through the connecting section, allowing operation in the compact integrated configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the operator can access both the mounting device and component supply unit operation panels, then operational flexibility is improved, but the operation target becomes unclear and wrong operations may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidoperation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control interface is segmented into distinct operation panels with clearly defined functional scopes. The main operation panel controls the mounting device while the unit operation panel controls the component supply unit. This segmentation eliminates the ambiguity of operation targets by providing separate, dedicated control interfaces for each device, preventing wrong operations while maintaining operational flexibility through the unit operation panel's ability to control its own unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The unit operation panel is designed with local quality specific to the component supply unit's functions. It receives operation inputs specifically for controlling the component supply unit and transmits appropriate control signals, creating a localized control zone that prevents unintended operations on the mounting device while maintaining full control over the component supply unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the unit operation panel can receive operation inputs for both the supply section and mounting device, then operational convenience is improved, but the control logic becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational convenienceVSAvoidcontrol logic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that manages the dual functionality of the unit operation panel. It receives operation inputs for both the supply section and mounting device, determines the appropriate control target based on the input type, and transmits control signals through the connecting section to the correct device. This intermediary control logic consolidates the complexity within the control unit while maintaining a simple, unified interface for the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3439448B1Component supply unit and mounting device
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 FUJI CORP
  • EP3439448B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3439448B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3439448B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Component supply unit 30 includes supply section 32 for supplying components to mounting device 11, is electrically connected to mounting device 11, receives from an operator an operation input to supply section 32 and an operation input to mounting device 11, controls supply section 32 in accordance with the operation input to supply section 32, and outputs a signal to mounting device 11 based on the operation input to mounting device 11. Component supply unit 30 receives the operation input to mounting device 11 in addition to the operation input to component supply unit 30.