Placement Head Nested Guide Extension for Component Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional devices for mounting electrical components on substrates have a limited working range and number of accessible pick-up points, restricting the variety and availability of components that can be handled simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

The addition of a stationary guide element and adjustable components allows for extended displacement of the placement head, enabling access to additional pick-up points and increased component types, with interchangeable pipettes and precise alignment mechanisms for improved handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the placement head is guided on a linear guide of the guide arm, then the placement head can be displaced in the longitudinal direction, but the maximum displacement length is limited to the length of the linear guide minus the guide length of the placement head

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplacement length of placement headVSAvoidstructure of linear guide
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide arm is inserted into the guide element, forming a nested structure where the guide arm can slide within the guide element along the longitudinal direction. This nesting arrangement extends the displacement length of the placement head beyond the original linear guide length, as the guide arm itself becomes part of the guiding mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide element extends in the transverse direction beyond the guide arm, providing additional longitudinal displacement range. By utilizing the transverse extension of the guide element, the placement head achieves extended travel in the longitudinal direction without increasing the complexity of the core linear guide structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of stationary object

If the guide arm is supported on the base body with frame parts, then the guide arm can be displaced in the transverse direction, but the extent of the device in the longitudinal direction is determined by the foot parts and support structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking length of deviceVSAvoidsupport structure of guide arm
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide arm is nested within the guide element, allowing the placement head to access regions beyond the original support structure footprint. This nested arrangement reduces the impact of the support structure on the overall device length, as the guide element extends the working range without requiring proportional extension of the support framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Quantity of substance

If stationary pick-up points are lined up along the longitudinal side of the transport route, then components can be fed to pick-up points, but the maximum number of pick-up points is determined by the displacement length of the placement head

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of component typesVSAvoiddisplacement length of placement head
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The nested guide arm within guide element configuration enables the placement head to travel a longer longitudinal distance, thereby accessing more pick-up points lined up along the transport route. This increased displacement length directly allows for a greater number of component types to be simultaneously available at different pick-up points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide element extends in the transverse direction, which translates to extended longitudinal displacement capability for the placement head. This dimensional extension enables the system to accommodate more pick-up points along the longitudinal axis without proportionally increasing the device's overall footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Area of stationary object

If the device structure is extended to increase working length, then the number of accessible pick-up points increases, but the total length of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess area of placement headVSAvoidtotal length of device
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The nested configuration of the guide arm within the guide element allows the placement head to access a larger longitudinal area without proportionally increasing the device's total length. The compact nested structure minimizes the space required while maximizing the working range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide element extends primarily in the transverse direction, which enables the placement head to achieve extended longitudinal displacement without increasing the device's longitudinal footprint. This dimensional strategy allows for increased access area while maintaining a compact overall device length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2848107B1Device for fitting electrical components on substrates
Publication Date: 2016.06.01 MIMOT
  • EP2848107B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2848107B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

A device for fitting electrical components on a substrate (2) has at least one fitting head (11) for handling the components. The fitting head (11) is movable in a linear longitudinal guide (10) of a guide arm (9) which is movable in a transverse direction (y) on a main body (3) of the device. The guide arm (9) is movable into a defined holding position. At least one substantially stationary guide element (13) is mounted in the aligned extension of the longitudinal guide (10) of the guide arm (9) located in the holding position. The fitting head (11) is movable beyond the end of the guide arm (9) onto the guide element (13). In this additional movement range of the fitting head (11), for example additional pick-up points (16) for components can be arranged and the number of components provided at the same time can be increased.