Feeder Carriage Transfer Coordination for Automated Changeovers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in seamlessly integrating a mounting system with an unmanned conveyance system for efficient feeder carriage replacement during board model changes.
Innovation Solution
A work system and feeder carriage transfer method that incorporates a mounting system with an unmanned conveyance system, utilizing a base, feeder carriage, connection mechanism, part feeder, mounting head, and unmanned conveyance vehicle to facilitate automated feeder carriage transfer and connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an unmanned conveyance vehicle is introduced to replace feeder carriages automatically, then labor savings and automation are improved, but system complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A notification system acts as an intermediary between the mounting system and unmanned conveyance system. The mounting system's controller notifies the conveyance system when feeder carriage replacement is needed, and the conveyance system's controller notifies back when the vehicle has arrived and when replacement is complete. This mediator approach coordinates the two systems without requiring complex direct integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where the mounting system notifies the conveyance system of replacement needs, the conveyance system confirms arrival at the base, and notifies completion of replacement. This feedback mechanism ensures synchronized operation and resolves the coordination complexity through structured communication.
2Productivity
If manual feeder carriage replacement is performed, then system simplicity is maintained, but productivity and labor efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the mounting system automatically detects when feeder carriage replacement is needed and notifies the unmanned conveyance system. The conveyance system autonomously transports the feeder carriage without manual intervention. This self-service approach improves productivity while maintaining operational simplicity through automated workflows.
3Reliability
If the unmanned conveyance vehicle waits for manual release notification, then connection safety is improved, but replacement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system's controller performs preliminary action by notifying the conveyance system of the need for feeder carriage replacement before the actual replacement occurs. This advance notification allows the conveyance system to prepare and arrive timely, reducing waiting time while maintaining safety through structured notification protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification system maintains continuous useful action by keeping both systems informed of the replacement process status. The mounting system continuously monitors and notifies when replacement is needed, and the conveyance system continuously updates when arriving and when complete. This continuous communication minimizes idle time and keeps the system in a state of useful action throughout the replacement process.
Data Source
AI summary
A work system includes a mounting system which mounts a component on a board and an unmanned conveyance system having an unmanned conveyance vehicle. The unmanned conveyance system includes a first notifier which notifies the mounting system of an arrival notification indicating that the unmanned conveyance vehicle transfers the feeder carriage to a position where an operation of connecting the feeder carriage to the base starts, and a first processor which causes the unmanned conveyance vehicle to travel in a direction away from the base upon receiving, from the mounting system, a connection completion indicating that a connection of the feeder carriage is completed. The mounting system includes a second processor which causes the connection mechanism to connect the feeder carriage upon receiving the arrival notification, and a second notifier which notifies the unmanned conveyance system of the connection completion upon being informed of completion of the connection.