Mounting Head Multi-Height Component Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting devices face inefficiencies when handling large components, as they often interfere with adjacent pick-up nozzles or components, limiting production efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A mounting device with a rotary head that picks up components at different heights, where the second component is picked up later and released earlier than the first, preventing interference and allowing simultaneous handling of larger components without rotation during holding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple pick-up nozzles are arranged circumferentially on a rotary head to pick up components at multiple positions, then throughput is improved, but large-sized components interfere with adjacent pick-up nozzles or components

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethroughputVSAvoidinterference between components
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a vertical dimension by providing multiple holding heights for pick-up nozzles. Large-sized components are held at a first (higher) height while small-sized components are held at a second (lower) height, eliminating horizontal interference between adjacent nozzles. This dimensional separation allows the rotary head to maintain high component density without interference, preserving throughput while solving the interference problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the rotary head rotates continuously to pick up and release components, then productivity is improved, but large components require slower movement speed to avoid misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidmovement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary head implements periodic rotation, alternating between rotating and stationary states. During the stationary phase, large components are securely held and positioned without movement-induced misalignment. During the rotation phase, the head moves to position components for mounting. This periodic action allows the system to accommodate both high-speed requirements (during rotation) and precision requirements (during stationary holding) for different component sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Device complexity

If all components are held at the same height for simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but interference between adjacent components occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidinterference between components
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing horizontal spacing to prevent interference (which would increase device size), the invention utilizes the vertical dimension by providing multiple holding heights. This allows components to be stacked at different levels, maintaining a compact horizontal footprint while eliminating interference. The complexity increase is minimal, involving only additional height control mechanisms, while effectively solving the interference problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3726949B1Mounting device, information processing device, mounting method, and information processing method
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 FUJI CORP
  • EP3726949B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3726949B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3726949B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mounting device comprises: a mounting head having multiple pickup members configured to pick up components; a mounting control section configured to cause a second component to be picked up later when a first component, held by the mounting head at a predetermined height, and the second component, held by the mounting head at a lowered position lower than the predetermined height, are picked up with the mounting head; the mounting control section being configured to cause the second component to be released earlier when the mounting head, having picked up the first component and the second component, releases a component.