Dual Tape Path Component Supply for Short Carrier Tapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional component supplying apparatuses are not versatile enough to handle both long and short carrier tapes of irregular lengths, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity when trying to use short tapes, as they are designed primarily for long tapes wound around reels.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a dual tape path system with a main tape path and a sub tape path, allowing for the use of both long and short carrier tapes by adjusting the sprocket wheel configuration and including an automatic feeding device to manage tape overlap and feeding, enabling efficient component supply without enlarging or complicating the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sprocket wheels are arranged on the tape path to accommodate short carrier tapes, then the ability to use short carrier tapes is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tape path is divided into a main tape path for long carrier tapes and a sub tape path for short carrier tapes. The sub tape path includes a sub sprocket wheel that engages with the carrier tape at an intermediate position, segmenting the feeding mechanism to handle different tape lengths independently without requiring multiple drive devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The main sprocket wheel serves dual functions: it feeds long carrier tapes through the main tape path and also feeds short carrier tapes through the sub tape path when the sub sprocket wheel is engaged. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate drive devices for different tape types.
2Ease of operation
If the component supplying apparatus is designed for long carrier tapes wound around reels, then the standard operation is simplified, but the ability to use short carrier tapes of irregular lengths is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to different carrier tape lengths through the selectable sub tape path. When short carrier tapes are used, the sub sprocket wheel engages with the tape at an intermediate position, allowing the same apparatus to handle both long and short tapes without changing the overall operation flow.
3Device complexity
If a single tape path is used for all carrier tape lengths, then the apparatus structure is simplified, but short carrier tapes cannot be properly fed
Solution Approach 1:
The sub tape path is nested within the main tape path structure. The sub sprocket wheel is positioned at an intermediate point on the main tape path, and the sub tape path feeds into the main tape path at a designated meeting point. This nested configuration allows short carrier tapes to be fed through the sub path while long carrier tapes use the main path, without requiring completely separate systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A component supplying apparatus includes a main tape entering port, a component supply port through which components are picked up from a carrier tape, a main tape path extending in a body part from the main tape entering port to the underside of the component supply port, a top tape removing part removing the top tape from the carrier tape on the main tape path upstream of the component supply port, a sub tape entering port, a sub tape path meeting a slope path portion of the main tape path at a meeting point upstream of the top tape removing part, and at least one sprocket wheels engaging with the carrier tape on the main tape path downstream of the meeting point. A length of the sub tape path is shorter than a length of the main tape path from the main tape entering port to the meeting point.