Nozzle Height Reference Section for Component Mounter Orientation
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing component mounter determination methods require a reference image to assess the pickup orientation of components, leading to inaccurate results due to variations in the nozzle section's height position caused by friction or foreign matter, especially with miniaturized components, which increases incorrect determination frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A component mounter with a nozzle section having a height position reference section on its outer circumference, allowing image recognition, captures a side view image including both the component and the reference section, enabling accurate determination of the pickup orientation without a reference image by measuring the height difference between the reference and the component's lower end, and correcting the nozzle holder's lowering operation based on this reference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reference image is used to determine pickup orientation, then determination can be made, but determination accuracy deteriorates due to nozzle section height position variations
Solution Approach 1:
A reference section is introduced as an intermediary element attached to the nozzle section. This reference section serves as a mediator between the nozzle section and the image processing system, providing a stable reference point that moves with the nozzle section. By measuring the position of this intermediary reference section rather than directly measuring the nozzle section itself, the system compensates for height position variations caused by friction or foreign matter, thereby maintaining high determination accuracy without requiring a separate reference image.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference section acts as a visual copy or representation of the nozzle section's position. Instead of directly measuring the nozzle section's height position which varies, the system captures an image of the reference section that replicates the nozzle section's position information. This optical copy allows for accurate determination of pickup orientation by comparing the reference section's position in the captured image against expected positions, eliminating the need for physical reference images.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If spring biasing is used to lessen impact, then component damage is prevented, but nozzle section height position varies due to friction and foreign matter
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by capturing images of the reference section and analyzing its position. The image processing device continuously monitors the height position of the reference section (which is attached to the nozzle section) and provides feedback information about actual position variations. This feedback allows the system to detect and compensate for height position changes caused by spring biasing, friction, or foreign matter, maintaining stable and accurate determination of pickup orientation despite the mechanical variations in the spring-biased nozzle section.
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle section is held by a nozzle holder to be vertically movable, and the nozzle section is biased downwards by springs. A height position reference section for which image recognition is possible is provided on an outer circumferential section of the nozzle section. Both a component held on the lower end of the nozzle section and the height position reference section are in the field of view of a camera that captures a side view image of an area around the lower end of the nozzle section. The side view image is processed, the height position reference section and a height position of the lower end of the component are recognized, a height difference from the height position reference section to the lower end of the component is measured, and it is determined whether the pickup orientation of the component is acceptable based on the height difference.