SMT Bin Identification With Preassigned Storage Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Surface Mount Technology (SMT) systems face inefficiencies in handling and storage of components, particularly in identifying and retrieving bins in automated storage units, leading to increased load and storage times, and a higher risk of erroneous loading in pick-and-place machines.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involves scanning an identity tag attached to a bin to obtain a bin ID, storing the bin's position and ID in a memory or database, and using actuators like robots to manage bin placement and retrieval within an automated SMT warehouse, optimizing storage and retrieval processes based on upcoming SMT job requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual identification and retrieval of bins is used in automated storage units, then system complexity is reduced, but loading and storage times increase and error risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bin identification system uses self-service mechanisms where bins automatically present their identity information through RFID tags or barcodes that are read by fixed scanners at storage and retrieval points. The system autonomously identifies bins, determines their storage positions, and manages retrieval without human intervention, thereby reducing errors while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical identification and bin handling are replaced by automated systems using RFID readers, barcode scanners, and robotic actuators. These systems substitute human-operated mechanical processes with automated sensing and actuation mechanisms, improving reliability by eliminating manual errors while managing complexity through standardized interfaces.
2Productivity
If automated bin identification and retrieval systems are implemented, then loading and storage times are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-determining optimal storage positions for bins before actual storage occurs. When a bin is identified, the system calculates and assigns its storage position in advance, so that when retrieval is needed, the bin can be quickly located and fetched without delay. This pre-planning accelerates operations while keeping the physical system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate database or memory system serves as a mediator between bin identification and physical retrieval. The system stores bin ID-position mappings in a database, allowing quick lookup and decision-making without complex real-time calculations. This intermediary layer simplifies the control logic while enabling fast automated operations.
3Loss of time
If bins are not pre-configured for specific SMT jobs, then storage flexibility is improved, but job preparation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration of bins with job-specific component information before the SMT job begins. Bin IDs are associated with specific components and job requirements in advance, so that when a job starts, the system can immediately retrieve the correct bins without time-consuming setup. This pre-configuration reduces job preparation time while maintaining storage flexibility through the database mapping system.
Data Source
AI summary
A method in an automated Surface Mount Device (SMD) warehouse configured to store bins at predetermined positions within said automated Surface Mount Device (SMD) warehouse, the method comprising receiving a bin at a port of said automated Surface Mount Device (SMD) warehouse and scanning an identity tag attached to said bin to obtain a bin ID.