Component Mounting Line Communication via Optical Wireless

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing component mounting systems face issues with direct communication between the management computer and replenishing device, and changes in the number or length of mounting lines cause interference with cable connections, potentially disrupting communication.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an optical wireless communication path along the direction of the component mounting machines allows for direct signal transmission between the management device and mobile work device without cables, enabling flexible adjustment of the mounting line configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cable connection is used between the management computer and replenishing device, then direct communication is established, but the system cannot adapt to changes in mounting line length and the cable may interfere with work

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to line length changes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an optical wireless communication system. The management computer transmits signals to the replenishing device through optical wireless communication in the vertical direction, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and thereby solving the adaptability problem when mounting line length changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a signal transmission path through the optical wireless communication system that acts as an intermediary between the management computer and replenishing device. This intermediary communication path allows signals to be transmitted without direct physical contact, resolving the contradiction between reliable communication and adaptability to configuration changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of component mounting machines is changed, then the mounting line length changes, but cable connections become problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in number of machinesVSAvoidcable management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable management system with an optical wireless communication system. By transmitting signals wirelessly in the vertical direction between the management computer and replenishing device, the system eliminates cable management complexity entirely, allowing flexible reconfiguration of the mounting line without dealing with cable routing and connection issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If direct communication is implemented between management computer and replenishing device, then command transmission is enabled, but cable interference with work occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommand transmission capabilityVSAvoidcable interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mechanical cable-based communication system with an optical wireless communication system. The management computer transmits commands to the replenishing device through optical wireless signals in the vertical direction, maintaining full command transmission capability while completely eliminating cable interference with the replenishing device's movement and operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Ensures uninterrupted signal transmission and power supply to mobile work devices, reducing noise and dust, and allowing for efficient feeder replenishment and recovery without interrupting production, even with changes in the number or length of mounting lines.

Implementation Method 1

the management device transmits a signal to the mobile work device via the optical wireless communication path provided along the predetermined direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical wireless communication: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3606314B1Component mounting system

Publication Date: 2025.09.24 FUJI CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A component mounting system includes: a mounting line in which multiple component mounting machines, each including a component supply device, are arranged in a predetermined direction; a mobile work device, moving along the predetermined direction, which at least replenishes each of the component mounting machines with the component supply device or recovers the component supply device from each of the component mounting machines, and a management device transmits a signal to the mobile work device via a communication path. The communication path is an optical wireless communication path provided along the predetermined direction.