Shutter Device Prevents Contaminant Entry in Board Working Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing board working systems face issues with extraneous materials entering the board working apparatus during setup of the board conveying portion, leading to operational interruptions and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A board working system incorporating a shutter device that closes the opening gap between the board conveying portion and the board working apparatus to prevent extraneous material entry, with a controller to detect and manage the shutter's opening and closing, ensuring the system remains operational during setup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cover member is opened to allow access to the board conveying portion for setup, then the ease of operation is improved, but extraneous materials can enter the board working apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to board conveying portionVSAvoidextraneous material entry
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover member is divided into a main cover portion and a door portion that can be opened independently. This segmentation allows operators to access the board conveying portion for setup while the main cover remains closed, preventing extraneous material entry into the board working apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A shutter device is introduced as an intermediary component between the board conveying portion and the board working apparatus. The shutter can be opened to allow board passage and closed to prevent extraneous material entry, mediating between the need for access and the need for protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the opening is kept closed to prevent extraneous material entry, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for setup deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of extraneous material entryVSAvoidaccess for setup
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover structure is segmented into fixed main cover portions and a movable door portion. The fixed portions maintain reliability by remaining closed, while the movable door portion provides controlled access for setup operations without compromising the overall sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The door portion is designed to be dynamically openable and closable, allowing the system to transition between a closed state (for reliability) and an open state (for ease of operation) based on operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the shutter device closes the opening gap completely, then the protection against extraneous materials is improved, but the board conveyance function may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraneous material blockingVSAvoidboard conveyance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter device is designed to be dynamically controllable, opening when boards need to pass through and closing when protection is needed. This dynamic operation ensures that board conveyance productivity is maintained during normal operation while protection is provided when the shutter is closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shutter device operates periodically - opening during board conveyance cycles and closing during setup or idle periods. This periodic action balances the competing requirements of board conveyance productivity and extraneous material protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2734024B1Board working system
Publication Date: 2018.03.28 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP2734024B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2734024B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2734024B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

This board working system includes a board working apparatus (22a) working on a board (3) and a board conveying apparatus (1, 1a) including a first board conveying portion (12), a second board conveying portion (13) arranged adjacent to the first board conveying portion in a direction orthogonal to the prescribed direction, conveying the board, and a cover member (11) covering the first board conveying portion and the second board conveying portion, the board connected to the board working apparatus. The board conveying apparatus is provided with a shutter device (113a, 115a) closing such that the maximum interval of an opening gap leading from the first board conveying portion to the board working apparatus is not more than a prescribed value when setup for the first board conveying portion is performed.