Exchangeable Cover Member for Component Feeder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing component feeders require frequent replacement of the conveyor or plate with the component presentation surface due to dirt, wear, or color changes, which is time-consuming and costly, and affects the accuracy and efficiency of robot component picking.
Innovation Solution
A component feeder with an exchangeable cover member that can be secured to the component supporting member using a quick release device, allowing for rapid replacement and providing protection from dirt, wear, and optical or friction-enhancing properties, thereby extending the life of the supporting member and improving vision system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the conveyor or plate with the component presentation surface is frequently replaced due to dirt, wear, or color changes, then the vision system performance is maintained, but the maintenance time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The component presentation surface is segmented from the supporting structure by using a separate conveyor belt that can be independently replaced. This allows only the contaminated surface layer to be changed while keeping the durable supporting structure in place, reducing maintenance time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component with a shorter service life, while the supporting structure is built to last. This economic segmentation allows frequent replacement of the cheap belt to maintain vision system performance without the high cost and time penalty of replacing the entire assembly.
2Reliability
If the entire conveyor or plate is replaced to maintain clean presentation surface, then the component feeding reliability is maintained, but the complexity of maintenance operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a permanent supporting structure and a removable conveyor belt. This segmentation simplifies maintenance operations to merely replacing the belt, avoiding the complex disassembly and reassembly required when replacing an entire integrated conveyor system.
3Measurement precision
If the component presentation surface is cleaned regularly, then the vision system accuracy is maintained, but the production downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of investing time in cleaning the presentation surface, the system uses a disposable conveyor belt that can be quickly replaced. This trades the time-consuming cleaning operation for a faster replacement operation, maintaining vision system accuracy while minimizing production downtime.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
A component feeder (1) comprises a container (3) for storage of components (5), a component supporting arrangement (10) comprising a component supporting member (12) and a component presentation surface (16), and a transfer arrangement (7) for transferring components from the container onto the component presentation surface. The component supporting arrangement (10) further comprises at least one cover member (14) arranged to cover at least a part of the component supporting member (12), and the at least one cover member (14) is configured to be exchangeable.