Component Feeder Switching for Simultaneous Pickup Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing component mounting systems face inefficiencies when component feeders run low or expire, leading to disruptions in the production process.

Innovation Solution

A determination device that dynamically adjusts the attachment positions of component feeders to enable simultaneous pickup from alternative feeders, ensuring continuous operation even when shortages occur.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple component feeders are attached in advance to the feeder holding section, then the system is prepared for efficient component mounting, but when component shortage occurs in a specific feeder, the mounting process is disrupted and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent mounting efficiencyVSAvoidcontinuous operation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically determines and switches between different component feeders based on real-time component availability. When a feeder experiences component shortage, the mounting head dynamically switches to an alternative feeder that can supply the same component type, maintaining continuous operation without disrupting the mounting process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters by identifying and switching between different feeder attachment positions. The determination device calculates appropriate attachment positions for alternative feeders and adjusts the mounting head's pickup operations to accommodate the new configuration, ensuring efficient component supply continues

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the attachment position of component feeders is fixed in advance, then the system configuration is simple, but the system cannot adapt when component shortage occurs in the original feeder

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeeder substitution capabilityVSAvoidfeeder attachment position determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-determining alternative feeder attachment positions and preparing substitution plans before component shortages occur. The determination device calculates and stores multiple valid attachment position configurations, so when a shortage happens, the system can immediately switch without complex real-time calculations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own existing resources (alternative feeders already attached to the feeder holding section) to solve the component shortage problem. The determination device identifies which already-attached feeders can serve as alternatives and automatically configures the switching logic, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex additional equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3806599B1Determination device and component mounting apparatus having same
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 FUJI CORP
  • EP3806599B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3806599B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3806599B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provide a technique capable of mounting components efficiently in a state where multiple component feeders are attached in advance. A determination device determines a component feeder to be used from among the multiple component feeders attached to a feeder holding section. In a case where an attachment position at which the component feeder is attached and a type of component accommodated in the component feeder are acquired, and a first specific type of component supplied from a first specific component feeder and a second specific type of component supplied from a second specific component feeder are simultaneously picked up by a mounting head, when component shortage occurs in the first specific component feeder, in a case where multiple first same type component feeders are attached to the feeder holding section, the determination device determines one first same type component feeder, being attached to a position which enables simultaneous pickup with the second specific type of component supplied from the second specific component feeder, as a component feeder for supplying the first specific type of component.