Component Supply Imaging for Mixed-Part Identification and Pickup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing component supply devices are inefficient in handling multiple types of components, requiring operators to manually ensure component separation and increasing workload, as they can only scatter and pick up components of a single type.
Innovation Solution
A component supply device equipped with an imaging system that identifies and locates multiple types of components on a support section, allowing a holding tool to pick up specific components based on image data, enabling the supply of various types without manual operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of components are scattered on a component support section, then the versatility of the component supply device is improved, but the complexity of component identification and selection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operator inspection and selection with an automated imaging device that captures images of components on the support section. The imaging device optically detects component types and positions, substituting human visual inspection and manual handling with automated optical detection and robotic picking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device creates visual copies (images) of the components scattered on the support section. These image copies are processed to identify component types and positions without physically contacting or disturbing the actual components, enabling virtual inspection and selection before physical pickup.
2Measurement precision
If an operator manually checks components on the component support section, then component type accuracy is improved, but the operator workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the imaging device and control unit to automatically identify component types and determine pickup positions without operator intervention. The device autonomously processes images, identifies components, and controls the picking mechanism, making the system self-sufficient in component selection tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device provides visual feedback about component types and positions to the control unit, which then automatically adjusts the picking process accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures accurate component identification and selection without requiring continuous operator monitoring or decision-making.
3Device complexity
If only a single type of component is supplied, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity for handling multiple component types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The component supply device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating an imaging device and control unit that can identify and handle multiple types of components using the same basic pickup mechanism. The system universally processes different component types through automated image recognition and adaptive control, eliminating the need for separate handling systems for each component type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its picking parameters based on real-time image analysis of the scattered components. The control unit adjusts pickup positions, timing, and mechanisms according to the specific arrangement and types of components detected, enabling flexible handling of varied component configurations without fixed positioning requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A component mounter comprising a component supply device 32 configured to supply multiple types of components, the multiple types of components each having a different overall form, the component supply device 32 including: multiple component support sections 220, 285 configured to support the multiple types of components in a scattered state; a holding tool 332 configured to hold one of the multiple types of components supported by the multiple component support sections 220, 285; a moving device 300 configured to move the holding tool 332 to any position above the component support sections 220, 285; and a control section 452 configured to acquire identification information for identifying a target type among the multiple types of components, the identification information is information related to the form of the target type, extract image data which match the acquired identification information from image data captured by an imaging device 84 configured to image the component supported by the component support section 220, 285, calculate a position and orientation of a component of the target type in the extracted image data, and control the moving device to make the holding tool hold the component of the target type based on the calculated position and orientation.