Carrier Tape Part Detector with Biasing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional part detecting devices using optical sensors struggle with unstable detection accuracy due to varying part sizes and tape thicknesses, limiting their versatility in detecting parts of different types and sizes stored on carrier tapes.

Innovation Solution

A part detecting device with a transporting passage and a biasing mechanism that presses a part detector against the carrier tape, utilizing a light receiver and emitter to detect parts stored at regular intervals, ensuring stable detection regardless of part type or tape thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an optical sensor is used to detect parts on carrier tapes, then part detection function is achieved, but detection accuracy becomes unstable due to varying part sizes and tape thicknesses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidversatility in detecting different part types

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a contact-type detection probe that physically contacts the carrier tape surface to detect part presence. The probe is pressed against the tape with a biasing force, creating a dynamic mechanical contact detection system that adapts to different tape thicknesses and part sizes, resolving the instability issue of optical sensors while maintaining versatility across different part types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a contact-type detection probe is pressed against the carrier tape, then detection stability improves, but the detection device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection stabilityVSAvoiddetection device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection probe is equipped with a biasing mechanism (such as a spring) that automatically maintains contact pressure with the carrier tape. This self-service mechanism ensures continuous stable detection without requiring external control systems or complex actuation, achieving reliable detection while keeping the device structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 stable detection of parts in storage across various types and thicknesses of carrier tapes, improving accuracy and versatility in part feeding operations.

Implementation Method 1

the presence or absence of the part in the storage of the part feeding tape is determined by an optical sensor having a light receiver and a light emitter disposed on a transporting passage of the part feeding tape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10112418B2Part detecting device of carrier tape and part feeding device

Publication Date: 2018.10.30 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A part detecting device of a carrier tape includes a transporting passage, a part detector, and a biasing mechanism that presses the part detector against the carrier tape inside the transporting passage. The carrier tape is transported to the transporting passage. The part detector detects parts stored in storages which are formed on the carrier tape passing through the transporting passage at regular intervals.