Feeder Placement Control for Faster SMT Production Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mounting systems, the setup changing operation for production switching is not efficiently managed, leading to inefficiencies in feeder replacement and production switching processes.

Innovation Solution

A management device and method that sets attachment position information for feeders based on production plans, positioning feeders to be replaced closer to storage sections, allowing the moving work device to reduce movement distance and time during production switching, enabling more efficient setup changing operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If feeders are attached to attachment portions farther from the storage section, then the mounting device can access a wider range of attachment positions, but the moving work device must travel longer distances to exchange feeders during production switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment position flexibilityVSAvoidfeeder exchange time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The management device performs preliminary analysis of production plan information to determine which feeders will be replaced during production switching. It pre-arranges these feeders at attachment portions closer to the storage section before the actual production changeover occurs, so that when feeder replacement is needed, the moving work device has minimal travel distance to cover

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different attachment position strategies to different feeders based on their specific characteristics and usage patterns. Feeders that are likely to be replaced during production switching are strategically positioned at attachment portions closer to the storage section, while other feeders can be placed at farther positions for optimal mounting access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the moving work device travels longer distances to exchange feeders, then more attachment positions are accessible, but the productivity during production switching decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment position coverageVSAvoidproduction switching efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The management device analyzes production plan information in advance to identify feeders that will be replaced during production switching. It then pre-positions these feeders at attachment portions closer to the storage section, reducing the moving work device's travel distance and enabling faster production changeovers that maintain high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the attachment position parameter for feeders based on production requirements. By changing the attachment position from farther to closer positions for specific feeders that need frequent replacement, the system optimizes the balance between attachment position coverage and production switching efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If feeders are positioned closer to the storage section, then the moving work device reduces movement time, but the mounting device may have reduced access flexibility to distant attachment portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoving work device movement timeVSAvoidmounting device access flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The management device performs preliminary analysis of production plans to identify which feeders will be replaced during production switching. It pre-positions these specific feeders closer to the storage section while leaving other feeders at farther attachment portions, thereby maintaining both quick access for replacement and mounting flexibility for other operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Different attachment positions are optimized for different functions: positions closer to the storage section are reserved for feeders that need frequent replacement during production switching, while positions farther from the storage section are used for feeders that require optimal mounting access but are not frequently replaced

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3923690B1Management device, moving work device, mounting device, mounting system, and management method
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 FUJI CORP
  • EP3923690B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3923690B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3923690B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The management device includes a management control section configured to set attachment position setting information including an attachment position of a feeder in a tendency such that the feeder is to be replaced in association with production switching to be attached to an attachment portion closer to a storage section based on production plan information including multiple pieces of mounting condition information.