Nozzle Height Control for Component Imaging Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing component mounting machines face issues with obtaining suitable images of components due to fixed component-camera distances and long nozzle lift distances, leading to potential obstacles and increased work time.
Innovation Solution
A component mounting machine with a movable nozzle head, imaging system, and control mechanisms that adjust the target height of the component based on its type, allowing parallel or sequential lifting and movement to ensure clearances are maintained, reducing the time required for nozzle movement and image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the nozzle is lifted to a clearance height to avoid obstacles during movement from the camera to the mounting position, then collision avoidance is achieved, but the lifting distance is long which increases work time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the nozzle height adjustable and movable during the transfer process. The nozzle can dynamically change its height position - being at a lower position during camera imaging and automatically rising to a clearance height when moving past obstacles, thereby balancing collision avoidance with minimized movement time
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-setting the nozzle height based on the imaging requirements and obstacle positions. The nozzle is positioned at the appropriate height before movement begins, and the control system pre-calculates the optimal height profile to minimize lifting distance while ensuring clearance from obstacles
2Device complexity
If the distance between the component and camera is fixed, then the imaging system is simple, but a suitable image may not be obtained depending on the type of component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the component-to-camera distance adjustable rather than fixed. The system can dynamically change the imaging distance according to different component types and requirements, allowing optimal imaging conditions for various components while maintaining a relatively simple imaging system structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies parameter changes by varying the imaging distance parameter based on component characteristics. Different components have different optimal imaging distances, and the system adjusts this parameter accordingly to ensure high-quality images are obtained for each component type
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures suitable image capture and reduces work time by setting the target height close to the clearance height, minimizing the risk of obstacles and unnecessary vertical movement, thus enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging means provided between the component supply means and the board holding means for irradiating the component held by the nozzle with light to image the component from below
Data Source
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Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A component mounting machine (10) that includes a nozzle (40) capable of picking up a component; sliders (26 and 30) and a ball screw (36) that move the nozzle (40) in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, respectively; a reel unit (60) that supplies components; a board conveyance device (18) that holds and conveys a board (16) on which components are mounted; a parts camera (46) that irradiates a component held by the nozzle (40) with light to image the component from below; and a controller (56) that performs various control functions. The controller 56 obtains a clearance height at which an obstacle between the parts camera 46 and a predetermined mounting position on a board 16 can be avoided, extracts from an HDD an imageable range of a component to be mounted, and sets a target height of a lower surface of the component held by the nozzle 40 when the nozzle 40 passes above the parts camera 46, such that the target height is closest to the clearance height within the imageable range.