Compact Electronic Assembly Cell with Transfer Robot
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly and testing of electronic assemblies require large machines that consume significant factory floor space, making it essential to minimize the size and complexity of electronic apparatus manufacturing cells.
Innovation Solution
An electronic apparatus manufacturing cell design featuring a lower and upper frame supporting infeed, pass, and reject conveyors, along with a transfer robot that can reorient and transfer electronic apparatuses between these conveyors based on processing outcomes, allowing for efficient processing and transfer within a compact layout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large machines are used for assembly and testing of electronic assemblies, then processing capability is improved, but factory floor space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple processing functions (assembly, testing, characterization) into a single integrated manufacturing cell. The modular design allows different processing stations to be consolidated within one compact unit, reducing the need for separate large machines while maintaining full processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing cell utilizes vertical space through multi-level conveyor systems and stacked processing stations. The infeed conveyor, processing stations, and outfeed conveyor are arranged in a compact three-dimensional layout, effectively moving operations from a horizontal spread to a vertical arrangement, thereby reducing factory floor space occupation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate processing machines are used, then processing functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing cell is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple processing functions including assembly, testing, and characterization. The modular station design allows the same basic structure to accommodate different processing equipment, reducing the need for multiple specialized machines and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing cell is divided into modular processing stations that can be independently configured and adjusted. Each station performs a specific function but can be replaced or reconfigured based on processing requirements, allowing functionality to be customized without increasing overall system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If intermediate conveyor units are used for transfer between processing stations, then material handling is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The infeed and outfeed conveyors are integrated directly into the manufacturing cell structure rather than being separate intermediate units. The conveyors are positioned to enter and exit the cell at optimal points, eliminating the need for additional transfer conveyors and reducing overall space requirements while maintaining efficient material handling.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An electronic apparatus manufacturing cell (100) defining an electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope having a first side and having a second side opposite the first side. According to one aspect, the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell (100) comprises an infeed conveyor (106), a pass conveyor (108) and a reject conveyor (110). The infeed conveyor (106) extends from a point outside of the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope on the first side to a point inside of the envelope. The pass conveyor (108) extends from a point inside the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope to a point outside of the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope on the second side. The reject conveyor (110) extends from a point inside the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope to a point outside of the electronic apparatus manufacturing cell envelope on the first side.