Drive Motor Torque Sensing for Tape Feeder Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

In component mounting apparatuses, accurately recognizing the target tape feeder among multiple feeders is challenging due to the difficulty in precisely reading barcodes, leading to potential erroneous recognition.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs a drive motor as a behavior part that responds to a load applied by the operator, allowing precise recognition of the tape feeder by detecting a predetermined behavior, such as torque increase or rotation, to ensure correct attachment recognition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If barcode reading is used to recognize the target tape feeder, then the component feeding apparatus can be identified, but the recognition accuracy deteriorates due to difficulty in precisely reading the barcode among multiple feeders

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition accuracyVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical barcode reading system with a mechanical interaction system. The operator applies a load (pulling force) to the tape, and the drive motor detects this load through torque sensing. This mechanical substitution eliminates the precision alignment requirements of barcode reading while maintaining reliable identification of the target feeder.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the operator's natural action of pulling the tape to trigger the recognition process. The load applied by the operator during normal tape handling is automatically detected by the drive motor's torque sensing capability, eliminating the need for separate identification actions and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If multiple tape feeders are arranged to increase productivity, then the component mounting capacity is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring the target feeder increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent mounting capacityVSAvoiddifficulty of detecting target feeder
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

Each drive motor automatically detects the load applied to its own tape through torque sensing. This self-detection capability eliminates the need for external identification systems and ensures that even with multiple feeders arranged in parallel, each feeder can independently and accurately recognize when its specific tape is being handled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If a barcode reader is provided to identify the target tape feeder, then the component feeding apparatus can be recognized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecognition accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive motor performs dual functions: it drives the tape during normal operation and simultaneously detects the load applied to the tape for identification purposes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate barcode readers and other identification devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining recognition accuracy.

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

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 solution enables precise recognition of the component feeding apparatus, reducing the likelihood of erroneous attachment and simplifying the configuration by using a common member for both driving and behavior functions.

Implementation Method 1

a drive motor configured to drive the tape; an attaching recognition part configured to recognize that the tape has been attached to the component feeding apparatus corresponding to the drive motor having the predetermined behavior detected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP3102016B1Component mounting apparatus and method for arranging component mounting apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3102016B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3102016B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3102016B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The drive motor 42 is provided for each of the plurality of feeders 4, and each drive motor 42 behaves according to a load applied by the operator to the tape T attached to the corresponding feeder 4. The component mounting apparatus 10 is configured to, when the torque increasing behavior of the drive motor 42 is detected, recognize that the tape TP has been attached to the feeder 4 corresponding to the drive motor 42 having the torque increasing behavior detected. In such a configuration, when the tape accommodating the components is attached to the feeder 4, the feeder 4 as an attaching target can be precisely recognized.