Button Member Loading Jig for Alternating Stocker Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing button product manufacturing devices face challenges in efficiently loading front and back lids into a cylindrical stocker, requiring manual intervention.

Innovation Solution

A button member loading jig with an extending portion and support portions that facilitate easy alignment and support of button members, allowing them to be easily loaded into a stocker.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If front lids and back lids are alternately laminated and stored in a cylindrical stocker, then the stocker can store multiple button members, but manual loading becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of button members storedVSAvoidloading time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The loading jig is divided into multiple support portions (first support portion, second support portion, etc.) that can independently hold different button members. This segmentation allows simultaneous loading of multiple lids onto the stocker, transforming a sequential manual loading process into a parallel operation that reduces time while maintaining storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The loading jig serves as an intermediary tool between the operator and the stocker. Instead of manually placing each lid directly into the stocker, the jig holds multiple lids in an organized manner and transfers them to the stocker in batches, significantly reducing the time required for loading while maintaining the ability to store multiple button members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If front lids and back lids are alternately laminated in the stocker, then proper layering is achieved, but the loading process becomes complex and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayering structureVSAvoidloading ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The loading jig is segmented into distinct support portions, each designed to hold specific types of lids (front lids or back lids). This segmentation enables the operator to load different types of lids in an organized sequence, maintaining the required alternating layering structure while simplifying the loading process through systematic placement rather than complex manual coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The loading jig is designed with pre-positioned support portions that are prepared in advance for receiving specific lids. By having the support structure ready with designated positions for front and back lids, the alternating layering pattern is automatically established during loading, eliminating the need for complex real-time decision-making and making the process easier to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If multiple button members are loaded manually into the stocker, then storage capacity is utilized, but labor intensity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of button members storedVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The loading jig divides the loading task into multiple independent support portions, each capable of holding a button member. This allows the operator to efficiently load multiple lids by simply placing them into the segmented support portions, which then transfer them to the stocker. This segmentation maintains high storage capacity utilization while significantly reducing labor intensity and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The loading jig acts as an intermediary device that multiplies the operator's efficiency. Instead of manually placing each lid individually into the stocker, the jig holds multiple lids in organized support portions and transfers them in batches, reducing labor intensity while maintaining full utilization of the stocker's storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4609747A1Can member loading tool, can member, can member unit, and can member loading method
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP4609747A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4609747A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4609747A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a button member loading tool with which a button product member can easily be loaded into a stocker. This button member loading tool 80 comprises: an extending part 84 that extends along a first direction; and a plurality of support parts 81 that extend from the extending part 84 in a second direction intersecting the first direction and are aligned with gaps therebetween along the first direction, and that are for supporting button members in the gaps.