Suction Nozzle Exchange Position Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing work machines that use multiple holding tools face inefficiencies in exchanging these tools, leading to prolonged cycle times, which hinders the reduction of overall operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A work machine with a control device that optimizes the exchange of holding tools by pre-attaching tools from the holding tool station to the work head and using an imaging device to ensure tools are returned to predetermined positions, minimizing the distance for future exchanges and rearranging placement positions for faster tool swaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If holding tools are exchanged between work head and holding tool station, then multiple holding tools can be used for work, but the exchange time becomes long and cycle time cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control device pre-arranges holding tools in the holding tool station before work begins. Specifically, it designates certain placement sections as set placement positions and pre-positions holding tools that will be exchanged frequently closer to the imaging device. This preliminary arrangement reduces the time required for tool exchanges during actual work operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding tool station is divided into multiple placement sections with different characteristics. The control device designates specific placement sections as set placement positions based on predetermined conditions (such as distance from imaging device and exchange frequency). This creates local optimization where frequently exchanged tools are positioned in locations that minimize exchange time, while less frequently exchanged tools are in other positions.
2Ease of operation
If holding tools are placed in multiple placement sections, then tool exchange is enabled, but the placement positions need to be optimized to reduce exchange time
Solution Approach 1:
Before work begins, the control device performs preliminary arrangement of holding tools in the holding tool station. It designates set placement positions based on predetermined conditions and arranges tools accordingly. This preliminary action ensures that when tool exchanges occur during work, the optimized positions are already in place, reducing exchange time without complicating the exchange operation itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device changes the spatial parameters of tool placement by designating different placement sections as set placement positions based on specific conditions (such as distance from imaging device and exchange frequency). This parameter optimization transforms the placement configuration to minimize exchange time while maintaining ease of operation.
3Loss of time
If set placement positions are designated based on predetermined conditions, then tool exchange time is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically designates set placement positions and arranges holding tools based on predetermined conditions without requiring external intervention or complex manual configuration. The system self-optimizes the tool placement by evaluating conditions such as exchange frequency and distance from the imaging device, reducing exchange time while managing complexity through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device manages system complexity by changing spatial parameters (placement positions) based on simple predetermined conditions rather than requiring complex algorithms. It designates set placement positions using clear criteria such as distance from the imaging device and exchange frequency, achieving time reduction through parameter optimization without excessive system complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In mounter 14, work using multiple suction nozzles is executed by executing an exchange of suction nozzles 60 between nozzle station 30 and mounting head 26. In addition, placement positions of suction nozzles at nozzle station are set so that the distance between accommodation section 78 at the nozzle station and part camera 29 is shorter for the suction nozzle to be exchanged more times at the nozzle station. Then, for exchange of suction nozzles during mounting work, the suction nozzle attached to the mounting head is returned to a placement section corresponding to a set placement position. As a result, placement positions at the nozzle station are rearranged into the set placement positions, so that the distance that the mounting head moves for nozzle exchange can be made shorter, which makes it possible to reduce the time required for nozzle exchange.