Automated PCB Hardware Extraction to Cut Shipping Weight
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for extracting hardware from printed circuit boards are inefficient in terms of logistics and cost, as they involve transporting entire boards overseas for manual disassembly, leading to economic and environmental inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a robotic arm with a camera and conveyance system to automatically or semi-automatically partition printed circuit boards into valuable hardware portions and residual parts, allowing for separate shipping and processing, thereby optimizing extraction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If entire printed circuit boards are transported to processing facilities for manual hardware extraction, then hardware can be removed, but shipping weight and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the printed circuit board into multiple portions using automated cutting tools. Valuable hardware components are separated from the residual board material, allowing only the necessary portions to be shipped to processing facilities. This reduces shipping weight while maintaining extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing automated hardware extraction and board partitioning at the collection point before shipping. The robotic system identifies, extracts, and separates hardware components in advance, so that only extracted components and minimal board portions need to be transported, eliminating the need to ship entire boards.
2Productivity
If manual methods are used to remove hardware from printed circuit boards, then hardware extraction can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing an automated robotic system that performs hardware extraction without human intervention. The system uses computer vision to identify components, robotic arms to manipulate the board, and automated cutting tools to separate hardware, enabling continuous operation and dramatically increasing extraction speed while reducing labor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical extraction with an automated robotic mechanical system. The robotic arm equipped with specialized end effectors substitutes human hands, while automated cutting tools replace manual cutting processes, enabling faster and more consistent hardware removal.
3Weight of moving object
If printed circuit boards are cut into multiple portions with valuable hardware, then shipping efficiency improves, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a robotic system that performs multiple functions: component identification using computer vision, hardware extraction using robotic manipulation, and board partitioning using automated cutting. This multi-functional system handles the entire extraction and separation process, managing the added complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple processing functions into a single integrated robotic system. The computer vision system, robotic arm, and cutting tools are combined and coordinated by a central control system, allowing the complex tasks of identification, extraction, and partitioning to be performed in a unified automated process.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for extracting hardware from printed circuit boards. An extraction system may include a robotic arm, a camera, and a conveyance system. An extraction system may also include a mechanism for retaining a printed circuit board in a particular position. One or more computers in operative connection with one or more control modules may be used to automate, or semi-automate, extraction of the hardware. An extraction method may include steps of conveying a printed circuit board toward a robotic arm, identifying hardware on the printed circuit board, engaging the robotic arm with the hardware, cutting around the hardware and removing it from the residual printed circuit board, disposing of the residual printed circuit board, and recycling the hardware.