Feeder Exchange Device for Automated Component Mounting Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
In component mounting systems with multiple lines, the manual operation required to transfer and manage feeders between lines is complex and inefficient, as operators need to manually collect and redistribute feeders between lines, which does not significantly reduce their workload even when using automated vehicles like AGVs or OHTs.
Innovation Solution
A component mounting system with a feeder exchange device on each line that moves along the board conveyance direction to exchange feeders between component mounters and storage, using a memory device to store production and feeder information to determine which in-process feeders should be stored in the feeder storage of the line they will be used in, allowing for collective collection and redistribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual operation is used to collect and redistribute feeders between component mounting lines, then flexibility in handling in-process feeders is maintained, but operational complexity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder exchange device automatically identifies in-process feeders using identification information, determines their destination component mounting lines based on stored production information, and transfers them autonomously without requiring manual operator intervention for each feeder management task
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-stores production information including the relationship between feeders and component mounting lines in advance, enabling the feeder exchange device to proactively determine and execute feeder redistribution before manual intervention would be required
2Extent of automation
If automated guided vehicles or overhead hoist transports are used to convey feeders, then automation level increases, but operational complexity remains high due to required manual operations in the warehouse
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder exchange device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both automatic feeder identification and destination determination, integrating multiple functions into a single automated system that eliminates the need for separate manual warehouse operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses identification information on feeders and stored production information to automatically determine the correct destination component mounting line, creating a feedback loop that guides autonomous feeder redistribution without manual intervention
3Adaptability or versatility
If feeders are manually collected to the outside of the line and stored in a warehouse, then feeder management flexibility is maintained, but the operator's workload is not significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder exchange device autonomously performs the complete feeder management process including identification, destination determination, and transfer to the correct component mounting line, completely eliminating manual operator involvement in feeder collection and redistribution tasks
Data Source
AI summary
A component mounting system includes multiple component mounting lines where multiple component mounters and a feeder storage are aligned along a board conveyance direction, a feeder exchange device configured to move along the board conveyance direction to exchange the feeder between the component mounter and the feeder storage of the component mounting line in charge, and a memory device. The feeder exchange device is configured to store an in-process feeder in the feeder storage of the component mounting line in charge, when it is determined, based on production information and feeder information, that there is the in-process feeder that was used in the component mounting line in charge and is scheduled to be used in another component mounting line.