Conveyor-Belt Component Feeder to Prevent Discharge Spillage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing component supply devices face issues where components stored in the housing apparatus can fall out when the apparatus is mounted or removed due to an open discharge section.

Innovation Solution

A component supply device with a conveyor belt that demarcates the housing and discharge sections, extending diagonally upwards, prevents components from falling by only discharging them when the conveyor belt is operated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the discharge section is kept open for easy component discharge, then component discharge efficiency is improved, but components may fall out when the housing apparatus is mounted or removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent discharge efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent containment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor belt is configured to be movable between an extended position (where it prevents components from falling) and a retracted position (where it allows components to be discharged). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the belt's position based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor belt acts as an intermediary element between the housing section and the discharge section. It serves dual functions: preventing component leakage during mounting/removal operations and enabling controlled component discharge during operation, thus mediating between containment and discharge efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the conveyor belt is extended to prevent component falling, then component containment is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent containmentVSAvoidconveyor belt mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor belt is designed to perform multiple functions: it conveys components from the housing section to the discharge section during operation, and simultaneously acts as a protective barrier preventing components from falling when extended. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate containment structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor belt functions as a flexible protective barrier that can be extended or retracted as needed. This flexible approach is simpler than rigid containment structures and allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements.

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

This configuration effectively prevents components from falling during mounting or removal of the housing apparatus, ensuring secure discharge and scattering on the support surface.

Implementation Method 1

a conveyor belt configured to demarcate the housing section and the discharge section and arranged extending from the housing section diagonally upwards to a side on which the discharge section is provided, and the components housed in the housing section are discharged from the discharge section towards the support surface of the component support section by being conveyed by the conveyor belt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3468329B1Component supply apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 FUJI CORP
  • EP3468329B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3468329B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3468329B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A loose component supply device including component support member 150 configured to support components in a scattered state; and component supply apparatus 88 configured to store components and discharge components towards the component support member from discharge opening 98, wherein, in the component supply apparatus, conveyor belt 112 is arranged between storage section 100 that stores components and a discharge opening so as to extend diagonally upwards from the storage section on the side on which the discharge section is provided. Components housed in the housing section are discharged from the discharge opening towards the component support member by being conveyed by the conveyor belt. The component supply apparatus is removably mounted on the mounting section. Thus, because components are not discharged from the discharge opening unless the conveyor is operated, components do not fall from the discharge opening when the component supply apparatus is mounted on or removed from the mounting section.