Bulk Feeder with Flexible Connection for Component Outflow Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bulk feeders face issues with component outflow during conveyance due to the need for a connection member that affects the vibration characteristics of the vibration member, requiring a solution to prevent outflow while maintaining effective conveying operations.

Innovation Solution

A bulk feeder with a flexible connection member, such as a tight coil spring, connects the receiving and conveyance paths, absorbing vibrations and preventing outflow of components, allowing for efficient vibration-based conveyance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid connection member is used to connect the vibration member and fixing member, then the structural strength is improved, but the vibration characteristics of the vibration member are affected and component outflow occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidvibration characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member is designed with flexibility to allow relative movement between the vibration member and fixing member. This flexible connection suppresses vibration transmission to the fixing member while maintaining structural integrity, preventing both component outflow and degradation of vibration characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If a flexible connection member is used to connect the vibration member and fixing member, then the vibration characteristics are improved, but the structural strength is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration characteristicsVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member is designed with flexibility to allow relative movement between the vibration member and fixing member. This flexible connection suppresses vibration transmission to the fixing member while maintaining structural integrity, preventing both component outflow and degradation of vibration characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If a gap is provided between the vibration member and connection member to allow vibration, then the vibration characteristics are improved, but component outflow occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration characteristicsVSAvoidcomponent outflow

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection member is designed with flexibility to allow relative movement between the vibration member and fixing member. This flexible connection suppresses vibration transmission to the fixing member while maintaining structural integrity, preventing both component outflow and degradation of vibration characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 flexible connection member suppresses vibration transmission, ensuring proper conveying operations and preventing component outflow, while reducing manufacturing costs and improving assembly precision.

Implementation Method 1

a connection member having flexibility configured to connect between the receiving region and the conveyance path so that the multiple components flows through

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

since the connection member has flexibility, a gap for allowing vibration is not required between the track member and the connection member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

an excitation device configured to apply vibration to the track member so that the multiple components are conveyed along the conveyance path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS12459747B2Bulk feeder

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 FUJI CORP

AI summary

A bulk feeder includes a feeder main body, a receiving member provided on the feeder main body and formed with a receiving region configured to receive a component discharged from a component case accommodating multiple components, a track member provided to be vibratable with respect to the feeder main body and formed with a conveyance path through which the multiple components are conveyed and a supply region that communicates with the conveyance path and opens upward to collect the multiple components, an excitation device configured to apply vibration to the track member so that the multiple components are conveyed along the conveyance path, and a connection member having flexibility and configured to connect between the receiving region and the conveyance path so that the multiple components flows through.