Component Supply Device Automatic Shutter Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing component supply devices require manual operation to close shutters, leading to potential component loss when the storage section is removed from the attachment section, as manual errors can result in the shutter not being closed, causing components to fall.

Innovation Solution

A locking mechanism is integrated to ensure the storage section is securely locked to the attachment section, with a closing member that automatically covers the opening when the locking mechanism is released, preventing components from falling during removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a manual shutter closing operation is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the reliability of preventing component loss deteriorates due to operator error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of preventing component lossVSAvoidcomplexity of closing mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closing member is positioned in advance to cover the opening before the storage section is removed. The locking mechanism's release automatically triggers the closing action, ensuring the opening is covered before any components can fall, thus preventing component loss through preliminary protective action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs the closing action automatically through the locking mechanism's own release operation. When the locking mechanism is released to allow storage section removal, it simultaneously activates the closing member to cover the opening, making the system self-servicing without requiring separate manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a manual shutter closing operation is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the operator workload increases due to troublesome manual opening and closing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of storage section removalVSAvoidcomplexity of locking and closing system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closing function is merged with the locking mechanism's release operation. The same mechanical action that releases the locking mechanism simultaneously activates the closing member, combining two functions (locking release and opening closure) into one integrated operation, thereby simplifying the overall operation for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically performs the closing action without requiring separate manual operation. The locking mechanism's release itself triggers the closing member, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for additional manual steps, thus improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the storage section is removed without ensuring shutter closure, then the operation is quick, but components may fall from the opening causing loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of storage section removalVSAvoidloss of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The closing member covers the opening in advance, before the storage section is fully removed. This preliminary protective action ensures that even if removal is quick, the opening is already secured, preventing any components from falling and eliminating loss while maintaining fast operation speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically ensures the opening is covered through the locking mechanism's release, without requiring separate verification or manual closing steps. This self-servicing mechanism guarantees protection against component loss while maintaining rapid removal speed, as the closing action is inherently tied to the release process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3203821B1Component supply device
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 FUJI CORP
  • EP3203821B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3203821B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3203821B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A loose component supply device provided with component supply apparatus 82 that stores multiple components, frame 96 to which the component supply apparatus is detachably attached, claw member 216 for locking the component supply apparatus to the frame, and a component support member that supports multiple component in a scattered state, the components having been ejected from an entrance of the component supply apparatus that is attached to the frame; the locking of the component supply apparatus to the frame is released by an operator grasping grip 104 of the component supply apparatus. The component supply apparatus is swung, and with the swinging linking mechanism 141 is operated such that shutter 140 rotates downwards. That is, with the releasing of the locking of the component supply apparatus, the entrance of the component supply apparatus is covered by the shutter. By this, it is possible to reliably and easily prevent components from falling from the component supply apparatus.