Adjustable Micro Device Feeder for Multi-Width Tape Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing micro device feeder systems require multiple units to accommodate different sizes of micro device tapes, leading to inefficiency and high costs due to the need for various feeders and tape modules, which is inconvenient and expensive for handling micro devices supplied on tapes with different widths.

Innovation Solution

A micro device feeder system that adjusts the distance between a movable drive plate and a mounting plate, combined with a sprocket assembly, to align and handle micro devices on tapes of varying widths, allowing for easy adjustment and configuration to accommodate different tape widths without replacing the entire feeder system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different size micro device feeders are used to handle tapes with different widths, then all tape widths can be accommodated, but the quantity of feeders and tape modules increases, leading to higher cost and inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different tape widthsVSAvoidnumber of feeders and tape modules

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The micro device feeder is designed with an adjustable tape guide mechanism that can accommodate multiple tape widths (16mm, 24mm, 32mm) using a single feeder unit. The tape guide position can be adjusted to align with different tape widths, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated feeders for each tape size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The feeder incorporates movable and adjustable components, specifically the tape guide that can be repositioned along the feeder body. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same feeder structure to adapt to different tape widths, transforming a static single-function device into a dynamic multi-function device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If tape modules are replaced to accommodate different tape widths, then compatibility with different tapes is improved, but the tape module constitutes almost half of the feeder mechanism making it still inconvenient and expensive to stock

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different tape widthsVSAvoidconvenience of replacing and stocking modules

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring different tape modules for different tape widths, the invention uses a single universal feeder body with an adjustable tape guide. This eliminates the need to stock multiple tape modules, as the same module works with all tape widths when the guide is properly positioned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the position parameter of the tape guide rather than replacing the entire tape module. By adjusting the guide position to match different tape widths, the system achieves compatibility without physical replacement of major components, reducing inventory requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8715458B2Adjustable micro device feeder system and method of operation thereof

Publication Date: 2014.05.06 DATA I O CORP

AI summary

A method of operation of a micro device feeder system includes: adjusting a distance between a movable drive plate and a mounting plate for aligning a carrier tape carrying a micro device to a center line for pick-up of the micro device by external device handling equipment; and configuring a tape handling mechanism, having a sprocket assembly, to accommodate a predetermined width of the carrier tape.