Press-In Machine Tool Changer for Fast PCB Component Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing press-in machines require complex and time-consuming tool changes when switching between different components or substrates, limiting their flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A press-in machine with an automated tool-changing system, featuring a magazine for storing multiple tools, a displacement unit for moving tool-holders, and a locking device for precise positioning, allowing for quick and reliable changes of both lower and upper tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual tool changes are used when switching between different components or substrates, then the machine structure remains simple, but the productivity and flexibility are reduced due to complex and time-consuming tool changes
Solution Approach 1:
The tool-changing system is segmented into independent functional modules: a magazine for storing multiple tools, a displacement unit for moving tool-holders, and a locking device for precise positioning. This modular segmentation enables automated tool changes without requiring complex manual operations, thereby improving productivity while keeping each module relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automated tool changing where the displacement unit automatically moves tool-holders from the magazine to the pressing receptacle, and the locking device automatically secures them in position. This eliminates the need for manual intervention during tool changes, significantly improving productivity and reducing tool change time.
2Reliability
If multiple tools are stored in a magazine with automated displacement and locking mechanisms, then tool change reliability and precision are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tools are pre-stored in the magazine in ready-to-use positions before the pressing operation begins. The displacement unit is pre-configured to move tool-holders along a predetermined path, and the locking device is pre-positioned to engage at the correct location. This preliminary preparation ensures reliable and precise tool positioning when changes are needed, without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical tool changing with an automated displacement unit that uses controlled mechanical motion (potentially assisted by electromagnetic or pneumatic actuation) to move tool-holders. The locking device uses precise mechanical engagement mechanisms to secure tools in the pressing receptacle. This substitution of manual operations with controlled automated mechanisms improves positioning accuracy and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If automated tool-changing system is implemented with magazine, displacement unit, and locking device, then the flexibility for pressing different components is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magazine is designed as a universal storage unit that can accommodate multiple different tool types for pressing various components. The displacement unit and locking device are designed with universal interfaces that work with different tool-holders. This universality enables the system to press different components into the same or varying substrates without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each component type, thereby enhancing flexibility while managing manufacturing complexity through standardized designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, allowing tool-holders to be moved and exchanged based on the specific pressing task requirements. The displacement unit can dynamically position different tools in sequence, and the locking device can dynamically engage with different tool types. This dynamic adaptability enables versatile component pressing while using a single flexible system rather than multiple fixed systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Press-in machine for pressing electrical, electronic, mechanical and/or electromechanical components into a substrate, in particular into a circuit board or carrier board, including a lower tool, which for pressing-is in contact against the underside of the substrate, an upper tool, which with an upper pressing unit for pressing-in the component can be moved against the component along the z-axis toward the substrate, and a changing unit for automatically changing the lower or upper tool. The changing unit includes a magazine in which a plurality of tools can be deposited, one or more tool-holders, a tool being provided in or on each of the tool-holders, a displacement unit with which the respective tool holder can be moved along a displacement direction out of the magazine and into a pressing receptacle of a pressing unit, and a locking device, with which the respective tool-holder can be locked in the pressing receptacle.