Automated Feeder Carriage Connector Alignment Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing data transmission process for feeder carriages in component mounters requires manual connection of connectors, leading to poor workability and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A work device with a main body, connector part, guide, and data transmitter that automatically aligns and connects with the feeder carriage's connector, allowing for automated data transmission without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual connection of connectors is used for data transmission, then the existing system can be maintained, but workability deteriorates due to poor operational efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkability of data transmissionVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The feeder carriage is designed to automatically perform the connection action itself. When the feeder carriage approaches the main body, the guide automatically aligns the connector with the connector part, and the connection is established without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by incorporating the alignment and connection functions directly into the feeder carriage structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The guide acts as an intermediary mechanism between the feeder carriage and the main body. It facilitates the connection process by guiding and aligning the connector with the connector part, enabling automatic data transmission without direct manual operation while maintaining reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If automated data transmission is implemented, then productivity improves through reduced manual labor, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidstructure of work device
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide serves multiple functions: it guides the approach of the feeder carriage, aligns the connector with the connector part, and ensures proper positioning for electrical connection. By making the guide multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving automated data transmission.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment and connection functions are merged into the guide structure itself rather than being separate mechanisms. The guide combines the alignment feature and the connection facilitation in a single integrated component, reducing the overall number of parts and simplifying the device structure while enabling automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of time

If manual connector connection is used, then device complexity remains low, but loss of time increases due to manual intervention requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission timeVSAvoidstructure of work device
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide is pre-configured with alignment features that automatically position the connector with the connector part as the feeder carriage approaches. This preliminary alignment action is built into the guide structure, eliminating the need for manual positioning and reducing the time required for data transmission without requiring complex active control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11997796B2Work device
Publication Date: 2024.05.28 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • US11997796B2 patent drawing
  • US11997796B2 patent drawing
  • US11997796B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A work device includes a main body, a connector part, a guide, and a data transmitter. The connector part, the guide, and the data transmitter are provided in the main body. The connector part is configured to be fitted to a connector of the feeder carriage. The guide guides the feeder carriage so that the connector is fitted to the connector part when the feeder carriage is brought close to the main body while making the connector face the connector part. The data transmitter transmits data to the feeder carriage through the connector when the connector is fitted with the connector part.