Component Mounting Machine Drop Detection Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing component mounting machines face increased costs and reduced production efficiency due to the need for additional detection systems to prevent component dropages, and existing solutions either require new sensor installations or halt the mounting process when a drop is detected.

Innovation Solution

A component mounting machine that utilizes existing configurations by employing a component detecting section, holding detecting section, and remaining detecting section to determine if a component has dropped, allowing for indirect and logical determination without additional sensors, thus maintaining production efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple pairs of light emitters and light receivers are added to detect dropped components, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent drop detection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses its own existing detection resources (component detecting section, holding detecting section, and remaining detecting section) to determine component drops, rather than adding separate detection systems. The control device integrates data from these existing sections to self-diagnose drop conditions, eliminating the need for additional light emitters and receivers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The existing detection sections are made multi-functional by using them not only for their original purposes but also for determining component drops. The component detecting section, holding detecting section, and remaining detecting section collectively serve both their primary functions and the additional function of drop detection, reducing the need for specialized detection hardware.

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

2Reliability

If mounting operation is stopped when a dropped component is detected, then collision damage is prevented, but production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment protection from collision damageVSAvoidmounting operation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the mounting head's height based on real-time drop detection status. When a drop is detected, the mounting head automatically retracts to a higher position to avoid collisions, and resumes normal operation when the drop is cleared. This dynamic adjustment prevents damage while minimizing interruption to production flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device continuously receives feedback from the detection sections about component presence and holding status, processes this information to determine drop conditions, and immediately responds by adjusting the mounting head position. This closed-loop feedback system enables real-time protection without requiring complete operation shutdowns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If additional detection devices are installed to determine component drops, then detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent drop detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem manufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves accurate drop detection by utilizing its own existing detection sections (component detecting section, holding detecting section, and remaining detecting section) rather than requiring additional specialized sensors. The control device processes information from these existing sections to accurately determine drop conditions, eliminating the need for expensive additional detection hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the functions of multiple existing detection sections to achieve accurate drop detection. By combining information from the component detecting section, holding detecting section, and remaining detecting section, the system achieves comprehensive drop detection accuracy without the cost of separate specialized detection devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3687268B1Component mounting machine and method for determining dropping of component
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 FUJI CORP
  • EP3687268B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3687268B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3687268B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A component mounting machine including: a component supply device configured to supply a component to a supply position; a component transfer device configured to use a component mounting tool to pick up the component from the supply position and mount the component on a board; a component detecting section configured to detect whether the component is present at the supply position before or while the component is being picked up by the component mounting tool; a holding detecting section configured to detect whether the component mounting tool is holding the component following pickup; and a remaining detecting section configured to detect whether the component remains at the supply position in a case in which it is detected by the holding detecting section that the component is not being held by the component mounting tool; and a dropped determining section configured to determine whether the component has dropped based on a detection result of the component detecting section, a detection result of the holding detecting section, and a detection result of the remaining detecting section.