Feeder Exchange Scheduling for Adaptive Mounting Line Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting systems lack reliable operation when changes in production schedules or component shortages occur, as the exchange of feeders is not adequately managed, leading to unscheduled operations and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A moving work management device and method that sets exchange orders based on the current arrangement state and mounting conditions of the mounting device, prioritizing feeder collection and replenishment to ensure efficient and reliable operation, using a management PC to create exchange order information that optimizes feeder movement and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a moving work device automatically exchanges feeders in a mounting system, then feeder exchange efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates when production schedules change or unexpected shortages occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeeder exchange efficiencyVSAvoidoperation reliability under schedule changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the feeder exchange schedule based on actual production conditions. When a schedule change is detected (such as unexpected shortages or production adjustments), the system automatically modifies the exchange timing and sequence, transitioning from a static automatic exchange system to a dynamic adaptive one that maintains reliability under varying conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms to monitor actual production status and feeder usage. When deviations from the planned schedule are detected, the system receives feedback about the current state and adjusts subsequent exchange operations accordingly, ensuring reliable operation despite schedule changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If feeders are exchanged based on predetermined schedules, then exchange operations are simplified, but adaptability deteriorates when arrangement states differ from predictions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexchange operation simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to actual arrangement states
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The exchange plan transitions from a fixed predetermined schedule to a dynamic adaptive plan. The system continuously compares actual feeder arrangement states with the planned schedule and automatically adjusts exchange operations to match real-time conditions, maintaining both operational simplicity and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key parameters of the exchange operation based on actual arrangement states. When deviations are detected, the system modifies exchange timing, sequence, or target feeders by changing operational parameters rather than requiring complete manual replanning, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If operator intervention is required for unscheduled feeder exchanges, then adaptability to changes is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to manual operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponsiveness to production changesVSAvoidfeeder exchange productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automatic exchange operations even for unscheduled changes. When production changes occur, the system automatically detects the need for exchange, determines the appropriate actions, and executes the feeder exchange without operator intervention, maintaining both adaptability and high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback loops to monitor production changes and automatically triggers unscheduled exchange operations. When changes in production schedule or feeder status are detected, the system receives feedback and autonomously initiates and completes the exchange process, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining responsiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3843516B1Moving work management device, mounting system, and moving work management method
Publication Date: 2023.03.22 FUJI CORP
  • EP3843516B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3843516B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3843516B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The mounting system includes a mounting device having a holding member, a moving work device for collecting or loading a holding member, and a moving work management device. The moving work management device comprises a management control section configured to create exchange order information including a collection order for collecting the holding member that the moving work device operates and/or a replenishment order for replenishing the holding member based on arrangement state information including the usage state of the holding member currently loaded to the mounting device and mounting condition information according to which the mounting device performs the mounting process.