Suction Nozzle Fixation Detection via Air Flow Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

The nozzle portion of suction nozzles can become fixed due to contaminants, leading to erroneous component adsorption or mounting and increased risk of damage, as existing detection methods fail to detect fixation early enough and result in increased nozzle height due to the need for additional sensors.

Innovation Solution

An abnormality detection device using a vertically movable nozzle portion with air flow path and detection means, such as a flow sensor, to monitor air flow changes and detect fixation issues without increasing the nozzle's height by eliminating the need for a photoelectric sensor, allowing the biasing means to be positioned arbitrarily.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a photoelectric sensor is added to detect nozzle portion fixation, then detection capability is improved, but nozzle height increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation detection capabilityVSAvoidnozzle height
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the photoelectric sensor (optical detection system) with a flow sensor that detects air flow changes. This substitution eliminates the need for optical components and their associated height requirements, while still achieving fixation detection through fluid dynamics principles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses air flow monitoring through a flow sensor to detect nozzle portion fixation. By introducing air into the nozzle and monitoring flow changes, the system detects fixation without requiring additional height, leveraging pneumatic principles for compact detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If camera-based detection is used to identify erroneous adsorption, then detection is possible, but detection timing is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation detectionVSAvoiddetection timing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs fixation detection by monitoring air flow changes during the adsorption process itself, before erroneous adsorption occurs. This preliminary detection approach identifies fixation issues in real-time during normal operation, rather than waiting for errors to manifest and be captured by cameras

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring of air flow through the flow sensor during adsorption operations. This real-time feedback mechanism detects fixation immediately when it occurs, enabling prompt response without the delay inherent in post-event camera analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 early detection of nozzle portion fixation, preventing component damage and reducing nozzle height by using air flow monitoring to determine vertical movement defects without additional sensors, thus simplifying the nozzle structure.

Implementation Method 1

a flow sensor for detecting a flow rate of air is provided to the mounting head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow rate measurement:

Implementation Method 2

the nozzle portion is biased downward by a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2806718B1Suction nozzle and abnormality detection device therefor
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 FUJI CORP
  • EP2806718B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2806718B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2806718B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An air flow path 22 that is opened and closed by a vertical movement of a nozzle piston 16 is formed in a nozzle holder 12 of a suction nozzle 11, an air supply path 28 that supplies air to the air flow path 22 of the nozzle holder 12 is formed on a mounting head 13 that holds the nozzle holder 12, and a flow sensor 27 that detects an amount of air flow flowing in the air supply path 28 is provided. The amount of air flow flowing in the air flow path 22 of the nozzle holder 12 is monitored based on the output signal from the flow sensor 27, and then, a defect (fixation) in the vertical movement of the nozzle piston 16 is detected.