Component Mounting System Setup for Sole Component Redundancy

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Solution Overview

Problem

In component mounting systems with multiple machines in line, sole mounted components can cause bottlenecks when one machine malfunctions, leading to reduced overall throughput due to limited alternative mounting capabilities.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a setup method where at least one mounting machine other than the sole machine is equipped with both the sole mounted component and an alternative component, allowing for seamless alternative mounting in case of shortages or malfunctions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If component feeding means for sole mounted components is attached to only one mounting machine, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates when that machine malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem throughput continuityVSAvoidcomponent feeding means distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-distributing component feeding means for sole mounted components to multiple mounting machines before any malfunction occurs. This ensures that when the originally designated machine malfunctions, alternative machines are already equipped and ready to perform the mounting task, eliminating downtime without requiring complex real-time redistribution systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of component feeding means distribution from a single-machine configuration to a multi-machine configuration. By modifying this distribution parameter, the system gains redundancy and reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic allocation of feeding means across multiple machines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If alternative component feeding means are distributed to multiple mounting machines, then productivity is maintained during malfunctions, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverall throughputVSAvoidfeeder arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making multiple mounting machines capable of mounting the same sole mounted components. By equipping alternative machines with the necessary component feeding means, the system creates multi-functional capability where any machine can perform any mounting task, ensuring continuous productivity while managing complexity through standardized feeder interfaces.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If sole mounted components are concentrated on one machine, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability worsens due to single point of failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial setupVSAvoidoperational continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by applying preliminary action during the setup phase. Component feeding means are pre-distributed to multiple machines according to a planned configuration, making the reliability improvement manifest during initial setup rather than requiring complex real-time adjustments. This preliminary arrangement ensures both ease of manufacture and operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2685803B1Set-up method, component mounting method, and component mounting system
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP2685803B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2685803B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2685803B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a setup method for deciding component feeding means to be attached to each of mounting machines arranged along a transport direction of a substrate in a component mounting system. The setup method includes a first step of deciding component feeding means to be attached to each of the mounting machines based on substrate data preliminarily defining components to be mounted by each of the mounting machines; a second step of determining whether or not there is within the components included in the substrate data a sole mounted component to be mounted by only one mounting machine among the multiple mounting machines; and a third step of deciding, when the determination is made that the sole mounted component exists in the second step, to attach component feeding means feeding the sole mounted component or an alternative component capable of replacing the sole mounted component onto at least one mounting machine other than the only one mounting machine.