Interchangeable Work Heads with Dual Air Paths for Component Mounters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact work heads in component mounters face challenges in maintaining vacuum pressure due to small air path diameters, leading to restricted airflow and difficulties in picking up heavy components, which can result in dropped components or inability to transport them efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A system with interchangeable work heads featuring a first air path for normal airflow and a second air path with larger capacity, allowing for increased airflow without increasing head size, and an air state detecting device to ensure reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a compact work head is used to improve component transport speed, then productivity increases, but the air flow amount is greatly restricted due to small air path diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the air path configuration changeable based on workload. The work head can switch between a compact configuration for high-speed transport of light components and an expanded configuration with larger air paths for handling heavy components that require greater air flow and vacuum pressure. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for speed when possible and for air flow when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the air paths - specifically the diameter and cross-sectional area - to resolve the contradiction. By providing multiple air path configurations with different dimensions, the system can adjust the air flow capacity parameter to match the requirements of different component weights, thereby maintaining both high productivity capability and sufficient air flow when needed.
2Volume of moving object
If the air path diameter is made extremely small to maintain compact work head size, then the work head remains compact, but the holding power of the component at the nozzle drops when air leaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the air path configuration dynamic rather than fixed. When heavy components are detected or when vacuum pressure drops indicate air leakage, the system can switch to a configuration with larger air paths that provide sufficient air flow to maintain holding power. This dynamic response preserves reliability while maintaining compact overall head design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by pre-configuring multiple air path options within the work head. Before a component drop can occur due to insufficient holding power, the system has alternative air path configurations ready to be activated, providing a buffer against the harmful effect of air leakage in compact configurations.
3Speed
If a compact work head with small air paths is used, then component transport speed can be increased, but it becomes impossible to pick up heavy components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the air path configuration to change based on the weight of the component being handled. For light components, the compact configuration provides high-speed transport. For heavy components, the system switches to a configuration with larger air paths that can generate the necessary vacuum pressure, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the air paths - specifically diameter and cross-sectional area - to match the requirements of different component weights. This parameter adjustment allows the system to optimize vacuum pressure generation for heavy components while maintaining the capability for high-speed transport of lighter components, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and force.
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 the reliable pickup and transport of both light and heavy components at high speeds, improving production efficiency by maintaining consistent air pressure and preventing component dropages.
Implementation Method 1
a first air path p1 and a second air path p2 that are connected to different types of work heads 33A, 33B... perform specified work using air pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A component mounter (1) includes a device main body provided with first air paths (p1, 321, 41, and 51), and second air paths (p2, pv2, and 53) that are configured to be connected to different types of work heads (33A and 33B), wherein the work heads (33A and 33B) are configured to be exchangeable and to perform specified work using air pressure.