Automatic Storage Device for Pre-threaded Tape Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the automated manufacturing of circuit boards, the manual and time-consuming process of loading tape guides with pre-threaded tapes into pick-and-place machines hinders efficiency, and existing storage systems do not effectively utilize space or simplify the handling of tape guides and component reels.
Innovation Solution
An automatic storage device that pre-threads tape guides with component tapes before storage, allowing the integral unit of reel and guide to be coded and stored as a single unit, eliminating the need for manual threading and enabling efficient retrieval and handling within a shelf-less SMD storage system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual threading of tapes into tape guides is performed, then tape guides can be loaded into pick-and-place machines, but the process becomes time-consuming and reduces manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-threading the component tapes into the tape guides before storage. The automated storage device performs the threading operation in advance, so that when the integral unit is retrieved from storage and loaded into the pick-and-place machine, the tape is already threaded and ready for immediate use. This eliminates the time-consuming manual threading step that would otherwise occur during production setup.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tape guides and component reels are stored separately, then storage flexibility is maintained, but handling complexity increases and space utilization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the tape guide and component reel into a single integral unit that is stored and handled together. The automated storage device stores these integral units as one cohesive entity rather than separating the tape guide from the reel. This reduces handling complexity because only one unit needs to be manipulated, while maintaining adaptability through the coded identification system that tracks the integrated assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The integral unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: the tape guide directs the tape, the reel holds the component tape, and the integrated coding system provides identification and tracking. By merging these components, the system achieves multi-functionality in a single stored unit, reducing the number of separate handling operations required while maintaining the flexibility to store different component types.
3Ease of operation
If pre-threaded integral units are stored, then manual loading steps are eliminated, but storage device capacity must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from horizontal storage to vertical storage of the integral units. The automated storage device is configured with vertical stacking capability, allowing integral units to be stored one above another. This three-dimensional storage approach maximizes the use of vertical space within the storage device, significantly increasing storage capacity without requiring additional horizontal floor space, thereby accommodating the pre-threaded integral units efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for surface mount assembly of PCB's, using an automated pick-and-place machine into which component tapes on reels are fed, uses component tape reels each of which has been pre-threaded into its appropriate tape guide and been stored as a reel/tape guide packet in an automated SMD storage tower, from which appropriate packets are retrieved for coupling to the pick-and-place machine.