Overlapping Dispensing and AOI Station Layout to Reduce Line Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional working station systems for electronics assembly, which include dispensing equipment and Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) equipment, occupy a large area due to non-overlapping configurations of working stations and plug-in stations.
Innovation Solution
The proposed working station system includes at least one working station and one plug-in station that are alternatively arranged and partially overlapped with each other, allowing components of the plug-in station to be partially located within the working station without interfering with its components, thereby reducing the total occupied area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If working stations and plug-in stations are arranged in a non-overlapping configuration, then each station has sufficient space for its components and operations, but the total occupied area of the system becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional overlap by allowing the plug-in station to be positioned partially within the spatial envelope of the working station in the horizontal plane. The plug-in station's guide rail and tool are arranged to operate in the non-working area of the working station, effectively utilizing unused spatial dimensions without vertical stacking. This reduces the total footprint area while maintaining operational independence of both stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug-in station is nested within the working station's spatial boundary by positioning its guide rail and tool components in the non-working area of the working station. This nesting arrangement allows the smaller plug-in station to occupy partial space within the larger working station's envelope, reducing the overall system footprint while maintaining functional separation.
2Length of stationary object
If the plug-in station components are positioned within the working station area, then the total width is reduced, but there may be interference with the working station components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by specifically designating the non-working area of the working station as the location for the plug-in station components. The non-working area is defined as the region outside the working width W2 but within the station width W1. By confining the plug-in station to this specific local zone, the patent ensures no interference with the working station's active components while maximizing space utilization.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional working stations are designed with standard width for gantry assembly operation, then sufficient working space is provided, but non-working areas create wasted space that increases total system area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the non-working area of the working station to serve dual purposes: it remains part of the working station's structural envelope while simultaneously serving as the operational space for the plug-in station. This allows the same physical space to support both the working station's gantry assembly and the plug-in station's guide rail and tool, eliminating wasted space and improving overall system efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a working station system, including at least one working station and at least one plug-in station alternatively arranged and partially overlapped with each other. At least one component included in the plug-in station, and/or a moving range thereof, is partially located in the working station without interfering with components included in the working station, thereby reducing a total width of the working station system. Exemplary working stations include dispensing equipment for dispensing a fluid in connection with electronics assembly, and exemplary plug-in stations include AOI equipment.