Automated Component Tape Replacement Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In surface mounting devices, changing the model of electronic components on printed boards requires manual intervention to replace component supply tapes, leading to labor-intensive and time-consuming operations.
Innovation Solution
A component supplying device with a controlled transfer and discharge mechanism that automates the process of replacing component supply tapes by using transfer portions and a control system to manage the movement and discharge of tapes, allowing for sequential and automated switching between different tapes at the component pick-up position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual replacement of component supply tapes is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases due to labor-intensive and time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The tape path is divided into multiple segments with different transfer portions (first transfer portion for downstream transfer, second transfer portion for upstream transfer). This segmentation allows independent control of different tape movement directions, enabling automated replacement without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The first transfer portion is designed to perform multiple functions: it transfers component supply tapes during normal operation and also discharges tapes during replacement operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated discharge mechanisms, balancing automation benefits with device complexity constraints.
2Loss of time
If automated transfer mechanism is implemented, then productivity improves by reducing manual intervention, but device complexity increases due to additional transfer portions and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge function is merged with the first transfer portion's normal operation capability. The same transfer mechanism that moves tapes during component supply also performs discharge during replacement, eliminating the need for a separate discharge mechanism and reducing overall control system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The external device pre-transfers component supply tapes to the first transfer position before the feeder needs them. This preliminary action ensures that when replacement is needed, tapes are already in position for quick automated exchange, minimizing replacement time without requiring complex real-time control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If component supply tape is discharged outside the feeder, then adaptability improves for model changes, but loss of time occurs during the discharge process
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge process is designed to occur continuously as part of the automated replacement sequence rather than as a separate interruptive step. The first transfer portion discharge function operates in conjunction with the transfer sequence, maintaining continuous tape flow and minimizing idle time during model changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The external device acts as an intermediary that handles tape preparation and initial transfer to the first transfer position. This intermediary action offloads work from the feeder's control system, enabling faster model changes without significantly increasing the feeder's own complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A component supplying device includes a body portion including a component pick-up position, a tape path, first and second transfer portions, a control portion, and an input portion. The control portion includes a discharge processing portion which executes a discharge process in response to an instruction at the input, and a transfer processing portion which executes a transfer process after the discharge process. In the discharge process, a first component supply tape is transferred by the first transfer portion away from the first transfer position so that at least a part of the first component supply tape is discharged outside the body portion while holding the components. In the transfer process, a second component supply tape that is at the second transfer position is transferred by the second transfer portion toward the first transfer position, and transferred by the first transfer portion toward the component pick-up position.