Component Supply Apparatus Inclined Tape Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

In component supplying apparatuses, the top tape removal device is often positioned higher than the component supply position, leading to potential interference with the transfer head or nozzles as they move horizontally, which can hinder the efficient pickup of components.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus features an inclined path for the carrier tape, a horizontal path, a first sprocket wheel engaging with feed holes, a guide member for maintaining the tape's position, and a top tape removing device positioned above the inclined path to partially remove the top tape, ensuring components are exposed without level interference with the transfer head.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the top tape removing device is positioned higher than the component supply position, then the top tape can be removed from the carrier tape, but the transfer head or nozzle moving in horizontal direction is interfered by the removed top tape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetop tape removalVSAvoidinterference with transfer head

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier tape is fed through an inclined path that extends obliquely upward, changing the spatial dimension of tape transport. This inclination allows the top tape removing device to be positioned above the inclined path without the removed top tape interfering with the horizontally moving transfer head, as the removed tape is directed away from the horizontal movement path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The tape feeding path is divided into distinct segments: an inclined path for tape advancement and a horizontal path for component supply. The top tape removing device operates on the inclined path segment, separating the tape removal function from the component pickup location, thereby preventing interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the top tape removing device is positioned above the inclined path, then the top tape can be partially removed to expose components, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent exposureVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The top tape removing device is integrated with the inclined path structure, combining the tape removal function with the existing tape feeding mechanism. This merging approach allows component exposure without adding completely separate structural elements, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9578793B2Component supplying apparatus and component supplying method

Publication Date: 2017.02.21 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A component supplying apparatus comprises an inclined straight path P2 which is for the carrier tape and which extends obliquely upward, a horizontal straight path P3 which is for the carrier tape and which extends in the horizontal direction from a front end of the inclined path P2 and runs through the component supply position Q, a first sprocket wheel engaging with the feed holes of the carrier tape within the inclined path P2, a guide member locating the carrier tape in the width direction within the horizontal path, a top tape removing device disposed above the inclined path P2 between the first sprocket wheel and the horizontal path P3 and partially removing the top tape from the base tape so as to expose the components, and a sprocket wheel drive device rotating the first sprocket wheel.