Mobile Component Supply Device for Tape Cassette Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In component mounting systems, the manual replacement of components by workers is labor-intensive and requires multiple skilled workers, leading to inefficiencies and increased workload.
Innovation Solution
A component mounting system that incorporates a mobile component supply device capable of autonomously moving between component mounters, using a wireless communicator and sensors to manage component inventory and automatically replace tape cassettes, reducing the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual component replacement by workers is used, then component supply to mounters is achieved, but worker workload and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The component supply system performs self-service by automatically detecting component inventory levels through sensors and replenishing components without human intervention. The supply device autonomously moves between storage and mounters, replacing tape cassettes when stock is low, thereby eliminating the need for manual worker intervention and significantly reducing replacement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of worker-operated component replacement with an automated mechanical supply device. This device uses sensors for detection and automated mechanisms for transporting and replacing tape cassettes, substituting human labor with an automated electromechanical system that operates continuously without interruption.
2Ease of operation
If multiple workers manage multiple component mounters, then component replacement is performed, but the complexity of management and coordination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated component supply device performs multiple functions: it monitors inventory levels across different mounters, transports components, replaces tape cassettes, and manages replenishment logistics. This single multi-functional device replaces the complex coordinated efforts of multiple workers, simplifying the overall system while maintaining comprehensive component supply capability.
3Extent of automation
If automated component supply is implemented, then worker workload is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated supply device that acts as a mediator between component storage and mounting operations. This intermediary handles all complex automated functions including sensor-based inventory detection, autonomous navigation to mounters, and automated tape cassette replacement, thereby achieving high automation while containing system complexity within a dedicated specialized device rather than distributing it across the entire mounting system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A component mounting system includes a component mounter that mounts a component in a board, a tape feeder (component feeder) that is placed in the component mounter and supplies the component, and a mobile component supply device that holds a tape cassette (container) storing a component, automatically moves, and supplies the component in the tape cassette (container) to the tape feeder (component feeder).