Side Surface Barcode Reading for Component Mounters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines face challenges in accurately obtaining information from components due to limitations in reading identification codes, particularly when codes are placed on surfaces that are not easily accessible, such as the upper or lower surfaces of components with no space for barcodes.
Innovation Solution
A component mounter system equipped with a mark camera, part camera, and a bar code reader that can read barcodes attached to the side surface of components, allowing for accurate identification information acquisition using a CCD-type bar code reader that employs a front light method to read barcodes from a side viewpoint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If barcodes are placed on the upper or lower surfaces of components, then identification information can be read by conventional reading devices, but components with no space on these surfaces cannot be properly identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from reading barcodes on the upper/lower surfaces (vertical dimension) to reading barcodes on the side surface (horizontal dimension). This dimensional change allows the reading device to access identification codes on components that have no space on their top or bottom surfaces, thereby improving adaptability to different component types while maintaining identification accuracy.
2Loss of information
If a reading device is added to the component mounting system, then identification information can be obtained, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the barcode reading function with the existing component mounting system. The reading device is integrated into the mounting head or positioning system, allowing identification information to be acquired during the normal mounting process without requiring a completely separate reading system, thus minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading device is designed to perform multiple functions: it reads barcodes on various component types (including those with side-surface codes), provides identification information for traceability, and can potentially guide positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized devices, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
3Productivity
If the reading operation is integrated into the mounting process, then takt time is reduced, but the precision of reading may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The barcode reading is performed at an early stage in the mounting process, before the component is positioned on the board. This preliminary action allows the reading device to capture the barcode under optimal conditions with sufficient time for accurate decoding, ensuring reading precision is not compromised by the integration into the fast mounting process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and accurate reading of identification information from components, even when barcodes are placed on hard-to-reach surfaces, thereby improving the traceability and manufacturing process by integrating the reading operation with the component mounting process, reducing takt time and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a bar code reader that reads, by using a front light method, the bar code attached to the side surface of the component
Data Source
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AI summary
A work machine including a reading device for reading identification information attached to a side surface of a component for identifying the component, and performing a reading operation of the identification information by the reading device.