Component Mounting Machine Power Load Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing component mounting machines face challenges in reliably limiting the number of operating devices during the mounting operation, leading to unpredictable power consumption and potential overloading of the power source, as the order of operations for feeder devices cannot be determined in advance due to varying component consumption rates.

Innovation Solution

A component mounting machine equipped with an output section that signals the operating state of related operation devices and a limiting device that restricts the number of operating devices to a specified quantity, ensuring appropriate operation and reducing maximum power consumption by dynamically managing the interlock signals based on the operating state signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple feeder devices operate simultaneously during mounting operation, then productivity is improved, but power consumption increases and may overload the power source

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting operation speedVSAvoidpower source load
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of operating feeder devices based on real-time power source capacity. The control device monitors the operating states of multiple feeder devices and selectively activates or deactivates them to maintain power consumption within safe limits while maximizing productivity when capacity allows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device receives operation state information from each feeder device and uses this feedback to make real-time decisions about which devices should be operating. This closed-loop control ensures that the total number of operating devices never exceeds the power source's capacity while allowing maximum parallel operation when possible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by stationary object

If the order of operations for feeder devices is determined in advance, then power consumption can be controlled, but adaptability to varying component consumption rates decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption controlVSAvoidresponse to component consumption variation
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of a fixed predetermined order, the system dynamically determines the operating sequence of feeder devices based on real-time conditions. The control device monitors component consumption rates and power source capacity, adjusting which feeder devices operate and when, allowing both power control and adaptability to varying consumption patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Each feeder device reports its own operating state and component consumption status to the control device. The system allows feeder devices to self-manage their operation requests while the control device coordinates overall power distribution, enabling adaptive response to individual device needs without centralized predetermined scheduling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If feeder devices operate autonomously without coordination, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of power management decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous feeder operationVSAvoidpower source overload prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device serves as an intermediary between autonomous feeder devices and the power source. Each feeder device can autonomously request operation and report its state, but the control device mediates these requests by coordinating with the power source capacity, ensuring that total power consumption remains within safe limits while maintaining ease of operation for individual devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3637970B1Component mounting machine
Publication Date: 2022.06.29 FUJI CORP
  • EP3637970B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3637970B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3637970B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A component mounting machine configured to perform a mounting operation of mounting an electronic component to a board, the component mounting machine including: multiple related operation devices each including an electrically-operated section configured to perform a related operation that is an operation related to the mounting operation, and an output section configured to output an operation signal representing a state of the electrically-operated section that is operating; and a limiting device configured to limit the quantity of the related operation devices for which the electrically-operated section is in an operating state to a specified quantity or fewer based on whether there is presence of the operation signal of the multiple related operation devices.