Mounter Nozzle Air Throttle Control for Secure Vacuum Suction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounter devices face inefficiencies in vacuum suction due to inconsistent air flow adjustment, leading to potential component damage and reduced operation rates, necessitating separate head modules for different applications and frequent replacements.

Innovation Solution

An air control device with a variable throttle mechanism and control unit that adjusts air flow rate electronically, allowing for adaptable vacuum suction without module replacement, using piezoelectric or proportional valves for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed flow rate air supply is used for vacuum breakage, then simple device structure is maintained, but component damage occurs and operation rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent safetyVSAvoidair control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed flow rate air supply with a variable flow rate air supply system. The air supply flow rate changing mechanism dynamically adjusts the air flow rate based on component characteristics and suction state, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to different operating conditions, thereby preventing component damage while maintaining operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the air supply flow rate parameter. The system changes the flow rate from a fixed value to a variable value that can be adjusted according to component type, nozzle characteristics, and suction pressure conditions. This parameter adjustment allows optimal balance between reliable component release and prevention of damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If separate head modules are prepared for different applications, then high-speed and multi-function applications are optimized, but device complexity increases and replacement time is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting speedVSAvoidapplication flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single head module that can handle both high-speed applications (small chip components) and multi-function applications (relatively large deformed parts). The variable flow rate air supply system and adjustable throttle valve enable the same nozzle to adapt to different component types and sizes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized head modules and allowing seamless switching between application types.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamics to enable a single head module to adapt to different applications. By dynamically adjusting the air supply flow rate and throttle valve opening according to component characteristics, the system transforms a static single-function module into a dynamic multi-functional module that can optimize performance for different mounting scenarios without physical replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If throttle valve and regulator adjustments are optimized for specific applications, then application-specific performance is improved, but frequent adjustments and replacements are needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction control precisionVSAvoidadjustment and replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing an automatic control system that adjusts the air supply flow rate based on feedback from sensors and pre-stored component data. The control unit automatically determines the optimal throttle valve opening and air supply parameters without requiring manual intervention, enabling the system to self-adjust for different component types and eliminating time-consuming manual calibration and replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors monitor suction pressure, component characteristics, and nozzle state, and this information is fed back to the control unit. The control unit uses this feedback to automatically adjust the throttle valve and air supply flow rate in real-time, ensuring optimal suction control for each component type without manual intervention, thereby eliminating adjustment and replacement time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures secure component holding and improved device operation rates by adjusting air draw based on component type, enhancing versatility and reducing downtime.

Implementation Method 1

the variable throttle mechanism includes a piezoelectric valve which changes a throttle in response to an input signal so as to change a flow rate of air to be drawn

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

using piezoelectric or proportional valves for precise control

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProportional control:

Implementation Method 3

a nozzle detachably attached to a head module HM of a mounter is connected to a negative pressure region, and a component (part) is suctioned

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3703480B1Mounter air control device
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 SINFONIA TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP3703480B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3703480B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3703480B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This air control device for mounter is to solve a problem of realizing an air control device for a mounter capable of providing a secured holding state by a nozzle without damaging a part by adjusting, during vacuum suction, an amount of air to be drawn suitably for the part and the nozzle. This air control device for mounter is configured such that a nozzle n detachably attached to a head module HM of a mounter is connected to a negative pressure region, and a part is suctioned at a distal end of the nozzle n. The head module HM is mounted with a variable throttle mechanism 4, and by using the variable throttle mechanism 4, an amount of air to be drawn into the negative pressure region from the nozzle is adjustable.