Modular Spindle Bank With Independent Motion for Pick-And-Place Heads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing heads for pick-and-place machines are heavy, complex, and prone to failure if one spindle or nozzle malfunctions, lacking independent motion control for each spindle and requiring extensive maintenance, which increases assembly time and engineering complexity.
Innovation Solution
A modular spindle system with a theta gear that can be removably attached to a pick-and-place head, featuring independent z-axis and theta motor control, allowing for interchangeable spindle modules and a spindle bank with a bearing system for movement along axes, enabling efficient assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple spindles and nozzle receivers are located on a dispensing head, then assembly time is reduced, but the size, volume and engineering complexity of the head is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The dispensing head is divided into multiple independent spindle assemblies, each with its own nozzle receiver and motor. Each spindle assembly can be independently controlled and replaced, allowing the system to maintain high productivity while reducing overall complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration where spindles can be independently activated or deactivated based on operational needs. The independent motion control profiles enable each spindle to operate autonomously, optimizing assembly time while managing complexity through selective activation.
2Productivity
If multiple spindles and nozzle receivers are located on a dispensing head, then assembly time is reduced, but the size and volume of the head is increased
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple spindle assemblies are integrated into a single dispensing head structure, combining their functions while maintaining independent operation. This merging approach reduces the need for separate heads for each spindle, optimizing space utilization while preserving productivity benefits.
3Reliability
If one spindle or nozzle breaks or begins functioning improperly, then the entire dispensing head may be compromised, but having a multi-spindle system provides redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
Each spindle assembly is designed as an independent, replaceable module. When one spindle or nozzle fails, only that specific module needs to be replaced rather than the entire dispensing head, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining system redundancy through the other functional spindles.
4Extent of automation
If machine level processors control the dispensing head, then centralized control is achieved, but independent motion control profiles for each spindle cannot be created
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to dynamically allocate control authority between centralized and decentralized modes. Each spindle can operate with its own independent motion control profile for specialized tasks, while still being coordinated by the machine-level processor for overall workflow management, achieving both adaptability and automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assembly comprising a spindle bank for a pick-and-pace machine, a base including a plurality of mount locations, each of the plurality of mount locations configured to receive a mountable spindle module including at least one pick-and-place spindle and nozzle, a bearing system attachable to a movement axis of a pick-and-place machine such that the spindle bank is movable along the movement axis, and a power delivery system configured to deliver electrical power to each of the plurality of mount locations, wherein each of the plurality of mount locations is configured to deliver the electrical power to each of the mountable spindle modules when mounted.