Shared Feeder Trace Memory for Compact Component Mounters

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to investigate causes of problems with feeders in component mounters without the need for large-capacity trace memory in each feeder, due to space and cost constraints.

Innovation Solution

A feeder trace log saving system that outputs and saves trace logs from multiple feeders in a shared trace memory linked to their identification information, eliminating the need for trace memory in each feeder and simplifying the circuit configuration, while allowing for easy investigation of feeder issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If trace memory with large capacity is loaded in each feeder, then trace logs can be saved reliably, but feeder size increases and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrace log saving reliabilityVSAvoidfeeder size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the trace memory resources from individual feeders into a shared trace memory located in the component mounter. Instead of each feeder having its own separate trace memory, the system consolidates the logging function into a centralized memory that serves all feeders, thereby reducing overall memory requirements while maintaining reliable trace log saving capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a communication control section as an intermediary between the feeders and the trace memory. This mediator handles the data transmission and storage coordination, allowing feeders to output trace logs to the shared memory without requiring each feeder to have built-in storage capacity. The communication control section manages the interface and data flow between multiple feeders and the centralized trace memory.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If trace memory with large capacity is loaded in each feeder, then trace logs can be saved reliably, but cost increases greatly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrace log saving reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the trace memory resources from individual feeders into a shared trace memory located in the component mounter. Instead of each feeder having its own separate trace memory, the system consolidates the logging function into a centralized memory that serves all feeders, thereby reducing overall memory requirements while maintaining reliable trace log saving capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shared trace memory in the component mounter serves multiple functions: it stores trace logs from all feeders, acts as a centralized data repository, and provides unified access for troubleshooting. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for duplicate memory units in each feeder, reducing overall system cost while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If control section saves multiple feeder trace logs, then trace logs can be collected, but processing speed decreases due to large CPU load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrace log collection completenessVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling feeders to autonomously output their trace logs to the shared trace memory without requiring the control section to actively collect and process data from each feeder. The feeders independently manage their own logging function, reducing the computational burden on the control section's CPU while ensuring complete trace log collection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The communication control section acts as an intermediary that handles the data transmission and storage coordination between feeders and the shared trace memory. This mediator manages the interface and data flow, offloading the complex processing tasks from the main control section CPU while ensuring complete and accurate trace log collection from all feeders.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3370492B1System for storing trace logs of feeders
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 FUJI CORP
  • EP3370492B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3370492B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3370492B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Trace memory (31) that stores trace logs of multiple feeders (12) set on a feeder setting table (13) of a component mounter (11) is provided in the feeder setting table (13), and while the component mounter is operating, trace logs of each feeder are output from the control sections (33) of the multiple feeders on the feeder setting table to the feeder setting table, and are stored by a communication control section (32) of the feeder setting table in the trace memory linked to identification information of each feeder. By this, it is possible to save trace logs from multiple feeders on the feeder setting table all together in a shared trace memory, such that it is not necessary to load trace memory on each feeder, thereby meeting requirements of compact feeders and lower costs.