Feeder Exchange Automation for Mounting Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting systems face productivity degradation due to component depletion, as the feeder exchange process is not adequately considered, leading to inefficiencies and operator burden.

Innovation Solution

A mounting system with a moving work device and management method that anticipates component depletion by using a loader to exchange feeders proactively, based on advance notifications and real-time data, minimizing downtime and movement between collection and loading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a feeder is exchanged automatically by a moving work device, then the burden on the operator is reduced, but the exchange process is not optimized leading to productivity degradation when components are depleted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator burdenVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The management device predicts component depletion based on remaining component information and exchange history, and proactively generates exchange standby information before actual depletion occurs. This preliminary action allows the moving work device to prepare for exchange in advance, ensuring continuous operation and preventing productivity degradation while maintaining automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where the management device continuously monitors remaining component information from the mounting device, compares it against exchange standby information, and dynamically adjusts exchange timing. This feedback mechanism optimizes the exchange process by using real-time data to prevent both premature and delayed exchanges, thereby maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If the feeder exchange process is not considered in detail, then the system structure remains simple, but productivity degrades due to component depletion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

A management device is introduced as an intermediary between the mounting device and the moving work device. This intermediary analyzes remaining component information, predicts depletion timing, and generates exchange standby information. By adding this intermediate layer, the system achieves optimized feeder exchange without significantly complicating the overall structure, as the management device operates independently and coordinates exchanges based on predictive algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If feeders are exchanged only when depleted, then the system operates efficiently with minimal intervention, but productivity is lost due to downtime during exchange

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddowntime
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary exchange preparation by generating exchange standby information before component depletion occurs. The moving work device receives this advance notice and positions replacement feeders in readiness, enabling seamless exchange operations that minimize or eliminate downtime. This preliminary action transforms the exchange process from a reactive to a proactive operation, maintaining continuous productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The management device ensures continuous useful action by monitoring remaining component information and triggering exchange standby conditions before depletion. This continuous monitoring and proactive exchange preparation eliminates idle time during feeder replacement, ensuring that the mounting device operates continuously without interruption, thereby maximizing productivity while minimizing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3843514B1Mobile work device, mobile work management system, mounting system, and management method
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 FUJI CORP
  • EP3843514B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3843514B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3843514B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The mounting system includes a mounting device having a supply section, and a moving work device for collecting feeders or loading feeders to the supply section. The moving work device comprises: an accommodation section configured to accommodate a feeder, and a moving control section which, after acquiring a component depletion notification for notifying in advance of a component depletion of the feeder, receives the feeder for exchanging in the accommodation section and causes the feeder for exchanging to stand by, to be exchanged, in front of a loading section of the feeder in which there was an advance notification of component depletion.