Printed Board Transport Apparatus Conveyor Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printed board transport apparatuses face challenges in shortening takt time without damaging the printed board, as high transport speeds can lead to impact and movement of electronic parts when the board stops, making it difficult to further reduce processing time.
Innovation Solution
A printed board transport apparatus with a first conveyor that moves between a working portion and loading/unloading portions, and a second conveyor for loading and unloading, using rotational members to transfer the board while adjusting rotational speeds to maintain support and prevent slipping, allowing the first conveyor to move during transfer without causing the board to fall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the transport speed of the printed board is increased to shorten the takt time, then the productivity is improved, but the printed board may be damaged by impact when it stops and electronic parts may move due to impact
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system dynamically adjusts its operation mode between moving and stationary states. The first conveyor moves during board transfer to enable continuous processing, then stops during working operations to provide stability. This dynamic operation resolves the contradiction by allowing high productivity through continuous movement while ensuring safety through controlled stopping only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The first conveyor maintains continuous movement during the board transfer process between the second conveyor and the working portion, eliminating idle waiting time. This continuous action shortens the takt time while the controlled stopping during working operations prevents impact damage, thereby improving productivity without compromising board safety.
2Productivity
If the moving velocity of the movable conveyor is increased to shorten the takt time, then the productivity is improved, but the printed board may be damaged by impact when it stops and electronic parts may move due to impact
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system employs dynamic velocity control, moving at higher velocities during transfer operations to improve productivity, then decelerating to complete stops during working operations to ensure position stability of electronic parts. This dynamic velocity adjustment resolves the contradiction between productivity improvement and stability maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by planning and executing controlled deceleration before stopping the conveyor during working operations. This prevents sudden stops that would cause impact damage to electronic parts, while still allowing high velocities during transfer phases to maintain productivity.
3Reliability
If the first conveyor starts moving after the whole printed board has been transferred to the downstream conveyor, then the printed board is safely transferred, but the takt time cannot be further shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The first conveyor starts moving in advance during the board transfer process, before the entire board has been transferred to the downstream conveyor. This preliminary action enables the first conveyor to be repositioned sooner, reducing idle time and shortening the takt time while maintaining transfer safety through coordinated control of both conveyors.
Solution Approach 2:
The first conveyor performs continuous useful action by moving during the transfer process rather than remaining stationary. This continuous movement eliminates waiting time and improves productivity, while the coordinated operation with the second conveyor ensures reliable board transfer.
Data Source
AI summary
A printed board transport apparatus includes a first conveyor which transports a printed board between a working portion and printed board loading/unloading portions of a working apparatus, and a second conveyor installed in the printed board loading/unloading portions. The first conveyor has a function of rotating a first transport member, and a function of moving in a direction parallel to the transport direction. The second conveyor transports the printed board by rotating a second transport member. After the length of a downstream portion of the printed board, which is placed on a conveyor on the downstream side, has reached a support length, the first conveyor moves toward the working portion by changing the rotational speed of the first transport member to a rotational speed for conveyor movement.