Synchronized Bulk Feeder and Nozzle Mounting Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic circuit component mounting devices with bulk feeders lack efficiency and accuracy in component handling due to unsynchronized operations, leading to increased time and complexity in component retrieval and mounting.

Innovation Solution

An electronic circuit component mounting device with a synchronized mechanical system, utilizing a suction nozzle, suction-negative pressure control valve, and nozzle lifting and lowering device, mechanically synchronizing the operations of the bulk feeder and suction nozzle to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple operations (bulk feeder supply, suction nozzle lowering, negative pressure supply) are controlled independently with separate driving sources, then each operation can be performed autonomously, but the system complexity increases and synchronization accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization accuracyVSAvoidnumber of power supply lines and signal lines
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple independent driving sources into a single actuator that mechanically drives both the bulk feeder and the suction nozzle. This consolidation reduces the number of power supply lines and signal lines while improving synchronization accuracy through mechanical coupling, directly resolving the technical contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If the suction nozzle operates independently without mechanical synchronization with the bulk feeder, then the system structure is simpler, but the component retrieval time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent retrieval speedVSAvoidmechanical synchronization mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the driving functions for the bulk feeder and suction nozzle into a single actuator with mechanical synchronization. This enables coordinated movement that optimizes component retrieval timing, improving productivity while the integrated design keeps the mechanical synchronization mechanism compact and efficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical synchronization mechanism performs preliminary positioning of the suction nozzle and bulk feeder before component retrieval occurs. This preliminary action ensures that components are optimally positioned for rapid retrieval, improving productivity without requiring complex real-time control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent control systems are used for synchronizing operations, then control flexibility is improved, but the number of power lines and signal lines increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of power supply lines and signal lines
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple control functions into a single actuator with mechanical synchronization, dramatically reducing the number of power supply lines and signal lines. The mechanical coupling inherently provides coordination, eliminating the need for complex electrical control systems while maintaining operational flexibility through the unified design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The synchronized mechanical system reduces the time required to retrieve components from the bulk feeder, enhances accuracy, and minimizes the number of power and signal lines, resulting in improved practicality and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a suction nozzle sucking and holding the electronic circuit component by negative pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentEP2958413B1Electronic circuit component mounting device
Publication Date: 2018.03.28 FUJI CORP
  • EP2958413B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2958413B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2958413B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The practicality of an electronic circuit component mounting device in which a bulk feeder is moved together with a mounting device is improved. A nozzle holder 94 is lowered by the lowering of a first lifting and lowering member 132 so that a suction nozzle is lowered. A second lifting and lowering member 470 is lowered together with the first lifting and lowering member 132, pushes a valve spool 112 down, allows a control valve device 110 to be in a negative pressure supply state, and allows negative pressure to be supplied to the suction nozzle. Further, a shutter/spool drive member 456 is lowered together with the first lifting and lowering member 132, moves the shutter 360 forward, and opens a component supply section of the bulk feeder 90. Furthermore, a valve spool of a component feeding-negative pressure control valve provided in a base 208 is moved forward together with a shutter 360 and blocks the supply of component feeding-negative pressure to a guide passage of the bulk feeder 90. Since these are performed in mechanical synchronization with each other by the lowering of the first lifting and lowering member 132, the suction and taking out of a component are quickly and reliably performed.