Electronic Component Container Management System Shelf Life Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Moisture-sensitive electronic components in containers set for reuse in mounting machines often have their shelf life reduced due to prolonged exposure, leading to potential expiration before the next production lot, which can result in component deterioration and waste.
Innovation Solution
A database management system that tracks the type, quantity, and remaining shelf life of electronic components in containers, coupled with a production plan database, determines appropriate management modes for containers, including storage in a moisture-proof environment or discarding, based on scheduled production timelines and component value, to extend shelf life and optimize usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the container is maintained set in the mounting machine for reuse, then the preparation work for the next production lot becomes easier and container replacement is minimized, but the floor life of the electronic components deteriorates due to prolonged exposure to moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the floor life status of electronic components in containers and providing real-time information to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts container management decisions based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that balances operational efficiency with component reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting machine performs self-service by automatically determining whether to maintain containers set or instruct removal based on floor life calculations. The system uses its own production schedule data and container status information to make autonomous decisions without requiring external intervention, optimizing both preparation efficiency and component preservation.
2Reliability
If the container is removed from the mounting machine and stored, then the floor life of electronic components is preserved, but the preparation work becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by calculating floor life status and determining container management decisions in advance, before the actual production lot begins. This allows preparation work to be completed proactively, preventing last-minute rushes and ensuring components are ready for use within their floor life window.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical decision-making with an automated control system that uses computational algorithms to determine container management. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to manually track floor life and make removal decisions, reducing preparation time while maintaining component reliability.
3Ease of operation
If moisture-sensitive devices are stored in a non-moisture-proof environment, then accessibility and ease of operation are improved, but the components deteriorate due to moisture absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the mounting machine and container storage environments. It monitors floor life status and intermediates container movement decisions, ensuring that moisture-sensitive devices are transferred to moisture-proof environments at the appropriate times while maintaining overall system accessibility and operational efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A supporting device is a device for supporting management of a container which contains a plurality of electronic components supplied to a mounting machine. This supporting device includes: a container database which records a type, remaining quantity, and remaining floor life time of the electronic components contained in the container; a production plan database which records a type and the number of required electronic components and scheduled starting time of a production lot for every production lot which is scheduled in the mounting machine; a processing unit for determining a management mode which is appropriate for the container by using the container database and the production plan database; and an instruction unit for instructing the management mode which is determined by the processing unit to the outside.