Parts Unit Buffering With Robot Transfer for Mounting Lines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In conventional parts mounting systems, workers are often restricted in their time and unable to take breaks or perform other tasks due to the need to load and unload feeders, leading to decreased work efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A parts mounting system that utilizes robots to transport parts units between separate mounting, work, and storage areas, incorporating placement sections as buffers to reduce worker time spent on delivery and receipt of parts, with automated storage and management systems to optimize parts replenishment and minimize downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a worker manually loads and unloads feeders at the work site, then the parts mounting system can operate, but the worker's time is greatly restricted and work efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A storage unit is introduced as an intermediary between the worker and the parts mounting device. The worker loads feeders into the storage unit rather than directly onto the mounting device, and the robot retrieves feeders from storage. This mediator buffer decouples the worker's loading tasks from the mounting operation, allowing the worker to complete loading more quickly and have flexible time for other tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
A robot is introduced to replace the worker's manual task of loading and unloading feeders from the parts mounting device. The robot autonomously retrieves feeders from the storage unit and supplies them to the mounting device, eliminating the time-consuming manual operations and freeing the worker from continuous feeder handling duties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the placement section is provided in the mounting line, then parts units can be buffered, but it cannot be used as a common placement section for multiple mounting lines
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is designed with a universal structure that can serve multiple mounting lines simultaneously. Multiple robots can retrieve feeders from the same storage unit for different mounting lines, and the storage unit can accommodate various types of feeders. This multi-functional design allows a single placement section to support several mounting lines without requiring separate storage for each line, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A parts mounting system includes a parts mounting device in a mounting area to mount parts on a board, a robot to transport a parts unit operable to hold the parts, and a placement section in a work area in which a worker works. The work area is separate from the mounting area, to allow a plurality of parts units to be placed therein or thereon, the plurality of parts units being to be transported or having been transported by the robot.