Interchangeable Feeder for Mounting Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mounting machines are incompatible with newly developed feeders, and vice versa, posing a convenience issue for users who continue to use older models, as suppliers transition to producing only high-efficiency feeders and mounting machines.

Innovation Solution

A feeder and mounting machine system that can interchangeably perform two distinct component supply and mounting operations based on received commands, allowing for seamless integration with both old and new models without affecting user convenience, by transmitting specific feeder information and adjusting operations accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If suppliers terminate production of conventional feeders and produce only new high-efficiency feeders, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but compatibility with existing mounting machines deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent mounting efficiencyVSAvoidcompatibility with existing mounting machines
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The feeder is designed with multi-functionality to operate in two distinct modes: a first mode for conventional mounting machines and a second mode for new high-efficiency mounting machines. The control unit detects the mounting machine type and automatically switches between modes, allowing the same feeder to serve both old and new systems without requiring separate feeder models.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The feeder incorporates dynamic adaptability through its control unit, which can change its operational characteristics based on the detected mounting machine type. The feeder dynamically adjusts its component supply operations between two different modes, enabling it to adapt to different system requirements without physical modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If new mounting machines are provided that are compatible only with new feeders, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation for users with conventional feeders deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent mounting efficiencyVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting machine is designed with universal compatibility to work with both conventional feeders and new high-efficiency feeders. The control unit detects the feeder type and automatically switches between a first operation mode for conventional feeders and a second operation mode for new feeders, allowing users to benefit from new technology without abandoning existing equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting machine incorporates dynamic operation modes that automatically adjust based on the detected feeder type. This dynamic adaptability ensures that the mounting machine can seamlessly switch between conventional and high-efficiency operations, maintaining user convenience while enabling access to improved productivity when new feeders are used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional feeders continue to be used, then compatibility with existing mounting machines is maintained, but productivity remains limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with existing mounting machinesVSAvoidcomponent mounting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The feeder combines both conventional and high-efficiency functionalities in a single device. When used with conventional mounting machines, it operates in the first mode maintaining full compatibility. When used with new high-efficiency mounting machines, it switches to the second mode to unlock improved productivity, thus providing both compatibility and performance enhancement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The feeder dynamically adjusts its operational mode based on the mounting machine it is paired with. This allows the same physical feeder to deliver conventional performance levels when paired with old machines while delivering enhanced productivity when paired with new machines, eliminating the need to choose between compatibility and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3007535B1Feeder and mounter
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 FUJI CORP
  • EP3007535B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3007535B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3007535B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present description discloses a feeder, which is used through installation in a mounting machine and which is configured to supply components that a mounting machine mounts on a printed circuit board. The feeder is a second type of feeder which is capable of performing a second aspect component supply operation, and is interchangeable with a first type of feeder which performs a first aspect component supply operation. The feeder is configured to transmit feeder information indicating that the feeder is the first type of feeder and perform the first aspect component supply operation when a request for feeder information is received from the mounting machine by a first command, and transmit feeder information indicating that the feeder is the second type of feeder and perform the second aspect component supply operation when a request for feeder information is received from the mounting machine by a second command.