Multi-Head Manufacturing Machine for Versatile Assembly and Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional circuit-component mounting machines lack versatility, being limited to performing only a single type of work and are not adaptable to various manufacturing tasks beyond electric circuit assembly.

Innovation Solution

A manufacture work machine equipped with multiple work head devices and a centralized control system, allowing for the performance of diverse manufacturing tasks such as assembly, processing, treatment, and inspection by coordinating various work elements like conveyance, component supply, holding, and image processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single-type work machine is used, then the machine structure is simple and easy to control, but the versatility is limited and cannot perform multiple kinds of works

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidmachine structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by equipping the machine with multiple interchangeable work head devices (first work head device for holding components, second work head device for processing). These different types of work head devices can be selectively attached to the same base structure, allowing a single machine to perform multiple kinds of works including holding, processing, and assembling operations on various work objects.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The machine is segmented into a base structure and interchangeable work head devices. The work head devices can be independently attached or detached from the base, allowing the system to be configured according to specific work requirements. This segmentation enables versatility without permanently increasing the complexity of the core machine structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple work head devices are added to enhance versatility, then the machine can perform plural kinds of works, but the control system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control of multiple work head devices into a single centralized control system. The control unit is designed to selectively control different types of work head devices attached to the base, coordinating their operations through unified control logic. This merging approach manages the complexity of controlling multiple devices while maintaining ease of operation through centralized management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed to be dynamic and adaptive, capable of adjusting its control strategy based on which work head devices are currently attached to the base. The control unit can selectively activate and coordinate only the attached devices, making the control complexity variable rather than fixed, thereby easing operation when fewer devices are used while supporting full versatility when all devices are attached.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2566316B1Production work machine
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 FUJI CORP
  • EP2566316B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2566316B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2566316B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

It is an object to provide a manufacture work machine with enhanced versatility. The manufacture work machine includes, each as a work-element performing apparatus configured to perform one of a plurality of work elements that constitute a manufacture work, a plurality of work head devices 26, 28 which are mutually different in kind of a work to be performed. More specifically, one 26 of the plurality of work head devices functions as a main head device configured to perform a main work in the manufacture work, e.g., to perform holding of a component supplied by a component supplier 24 for mounting the component onto a base member conveyed by a conveyor 22 while another one 28 of the plurality of work head devices functions as an auxiliary head device configured to perform an auxiliary work for the main work, e.g., to perform application of an adhesive prior to the work of mounting the component onto the base member. A plurality of works thus can be performed, enabling the manufacture work machine to have enhanced versatility.