Modular Assembly Machine with Rotating Dispensing Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly machines, such as pick-and-place machines, are not customizable or incrementally expandable, requiring manufacturers to purchase new machines for increased throughput or capacity, and feeder system positioning is complex and time-consuming to optimize.
Innovation Solution
A modular assembly machine with a continuous circuitous track that allows dispensing heads to rotate independently, enabling reconfiguration by attaching or removing track modules, feeder modules, and placement modules, allowing for customizable and incremental expansion without the need for predetermined feeder system positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional pick-and-place machine is designed for specific projects with fixed throughput, then the machine can achieve optimal assembly speed for that specific project, but the machine cannot be customized or expanded for different projects or increased capacity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly machine is divided into modular components including multiple dispensing heads, feeder systems, and positioning systems that can be independently configured. Each dispensing head operates on a continuous circuitous track and can be independently controlled, allowing the system to be segmented into functional units that can be re arranged for different assembly tasks and capacity requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The machine employs dynamic positioning systems that can adjust feeder and dispensing head positions during operation. The continuous circuitous track allows dispensing heads to move dynamically between pickup and placement locations, enabling the system to adapt to different assembly patterns and product requirements without fixed predetermined positions
2Productivity
If feeder systems are optimally positioned for each job to maximize assembly speed, then optimal throughput is achieved, but the positioning calculation and change-over time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple dispensing heads along the continuous circuitous track at various positions, and pre-positions feeder systems to accommodate multiple potential assembly patterns. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for time-consuming repositioning during change-overs, as the system can switch between pre-configured modes instantly
Solution Approach 2:
The machine allows dynamic changing of operational parameters such as dispensing head speed, track rotation rate, and feeder positioning without physical reconfiguration. Control systems adjust these parameters based on the assembly task, maintaining optimal throughput while enabling quick change-overs through software-based parameter modification rather than physical repositioning
3Productivity
If the machine capacity is increased to handle higher throughput requirements, then productivity improves, but a completely new machine must be purchased instead of incrementally expanding the existing machine
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly machine is designed with nested modular units where additional dispensing heads, feeders, and track sections can be integrated into the existing system. The continuous circuitous track can be extended by adding more track modules, and additional dispensing heads can be mounted on the track, allowing incremental capacity expansion without requiring a complete new machine installation
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly machine includes a plurality of track modules, each track module including a section of track, the plurality of track modules connectable to form a continuous circuitous track, the continuous circuitous track configured to receive a dispensing head, the dispensing head configured to rotate about the continuous circuitous track and at least partially assemble an unfinished product. The machine includes a first feeder module attached to a first length of the continuous circuitous track configured to feed a component to the dispensing head, and a first placement module attached to a second length of the continuous circuitous track configured to receive the unfinished product. The dispensing head is configured to place the component on the unfinished product. The assembly machine is reconfigurable by attaching or removing one or more of the plurality of track modules, the first feeder module and the first placement module.