Diaphragm Separation via Sweeping Brush and Visual Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing technologies lack efficient and high-quality methods for separating individual diaphragms from stacks in the electronic industry, leading to damage and reduced efficiency due to manual handling.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a diaphragm separating device with a sweeping mechanism and a visual device to identify and position the separated diaphragm, utilizing a diaphragm bin, sweeping brushes, and linear actuators to automate the separation process, ensuring efficient and precise handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual separation of diaphragms is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but separation efficiency is low and diaphragm damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidmanual handling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The diaphragm stack performs self-separation through the sweeping mechanism. The brush sweeps across the top diaphragm, utilizing the natural friction and contact between diaphragms to separate them without complex manipulation tools. The system serves itself by using the material's own properties (flexibility, layering) to facilitate separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated sweeping mechanism. Instead of human hands picking and separating diaphragms, a controlled brush sweeping action is used to automatically separate and position diaphragms, substituting complex manual operations with a simpler mechanical sweeping motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Quantity of substance

If diaphragms are stacked for storage and transport, then space efficiency is improved, but separation difficulty and damage risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestack densityVSAvoiddiaphragm damage during separation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sweeping mechanism performs preliminary positioning and separation actions on the top diaphragm before full removal. The brush gently sweeps and lifts the top diaphragm slightly, pre-separating it from the stack and reducing the force needed for complete separation, thereby preventing damage while maintaining stack density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical state and position parameters of the top diaphragm during separation. The sweeping action temporarily alters the diaphragm's position, angle, and contact pressure with underlying diaphragms, creating optimal conditions for damage-free separation while preserving the compact stack structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If automated sweeping mechanism is implemented, then separation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation speedVSAvoidsweeping mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sweeping mechanism is segmented into modular components: support frame, brush assembly, and drive mechanism. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently adjusted or replaced. This segmentation simplifies the overall design by breaking down the complex separation task into manageable functional modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support frame is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the brush position and sweeping pressure. This dynamic capability enables the mechanism to adapt to different diaphragm stack conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3568367B1System and method for feeding diaphragm
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 TYCO ELECTRONICS (SHANGHAI) CO LTD
  • EP3568367B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3568367B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

Disclosed is a system and method for feeding diaphragm including: a diaphragm separating device (100) adapted to separate a single diaphragm (10) from at least one stack of diaphragms; and a visual device (200) adapted to identify the separated signal diaphragm (10) and the position thereof. The diaphragm separating device may separate a single diaphragm from a stack of diaphragms by sweeping a top of the stack of diaphragms, improving efficiency and quality for separating stacks of diaphragms.