Tape Feeder Arrangement Layout for Continuous Component Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing component-mounting devices face inefficiencies in production due to the impairment of smooth tape feeder arrangement and component supply work when various tape feeders of different shapes and supply methods are present together, leading to potential delays and stops in component feeding.
Innovation Solution
A feeder management device that classifies tape feeders based on shape or supply method and sets their arrangement to ensure a specified number of special type feeders are consecutively placed in the component feeding unit, allowing for efficient pre-arrangement and component supply work.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If various tape feeders of different shapes and supply methods are arranged together to improve production efficiency, then productivity increases, but the smoothness of tape feeder pre-arrangement work and component supply work deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The component feeding unit is divided into multiple regions, with each region designated for specific types of tape feeders. This segmentation allows operators to work within defined areas, reducing confusion caused by the diversity of feeder types while maintaining high productivity through optimized spatial arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the component feeding unit are assigned different characteristics based on the requirements of specific feeder types. For example, feeders requiring frequent supply work are placed in regions with easier access, while space-consuming feeders are positioned in regions with sufficient space. This local optimization improves operational smoothness without sacrificing overall productivity.
2Productivity
If tape feeders are arranged to optimize production efficiency, then productivity increases, but component feeding stops occur due to delays in pre-arrangement and supply work
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary arrangement of tape feeders in their final positions before production begins. Operators can prepare and organize feeders in advance within their designated regions, ensuring that all pre-arrangement work is completed before component feeding starts, thus preventing feeding stops during production.
Solution Approach 2:
A management device is introduced as an intermediary between the diverse tape feeders and the production process. This device coordinates the arrangement and supply work, managing the complexity of multiple feeder types and ensuring continuous component feeding by optimizing the workflow and timing of supply operations.
3Device complexity
If space-consuming tape feeders are arranged without considering their spatial requirements, then device complexity is reduced, but the smoothness of operator work deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The component feeding unit is divided into multiple regions with different characteristics. Space-consuming tape feeders are specifically assigned to regions with sufficient space, while other feeders are placed in compact regions. This local optimization ensures that each feeder type is positioned according to its spatial requirements, improving operator workflow smoothness without significantly increasing overall arrangement complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A tape feeder management device includes a feeder classifying unit and a feeder arrangement setting unit. The feeder classifying unit classifies a plurality of tape feeders into a plurality of types of tape feeders. The feeder arrangement setting unit sets arrangement of the plurality of tape feeders in a component feeding unit, according to classification of the tape feeders made by the feeder classifying unit. The feeder arrangement setting unit includes a first setting unit. The first setting unit extracts a special type feeder classified as a tape feeder of a special type by the feeder classifying unit, and sets arrangement of the plurality of tape feeders such that a given reference number or more of the special type feeders are arranged consecutively in a row in an area of the component feeding unit, the area being defined by at least excluding both ends of the component feeding unit.