Feeder Cover Opening for Reel Code Readability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The transparency of the transparent cover on a feeder used for component mounting is reduced due to aging, making it difficult to read the identification code on the reel when the feeder is repeatedly attached and detached from a component mounting apparatus.

Innovation Solution

A feeder with a plate-shaped cover that includes an opening at a location corresponding to the region of the reel where the identification code is located, allowing for easy reading of the code without being affected by aging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a transparent cover is used to protect the reel and allow code reading, then the reel is protected and initial code readability is improved, but the cover transparency decreases due to aging from repeated attachment and detachment rubbing, making code reading difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode reading reliabilityVSAvoidcover transparency degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is segmented into multiple parts: a transparent cover portion for protecting the reel and allowing code reading, and an opaque portion that does not interfere with code reading. This segmentation allows the transparent portion to be minimized in area, reducing its exposure to rubbing and aging, while still providing necessary protection and code reading capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The identification code is positioned in a predetermined location on the reel before the cover is attached. The cover is then designed with an opening or transparent portion at that specific location, ensuring the code is readable from the beginning without requiring the cover to remain fully transparent throughout its service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the cover is made fully transparent to allow code reading, then code readability is maintained, but the cover is more susceptible to rubbing damage and transparency loss during repeated attachment and detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode reading easeVSAvoidcover durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover has different transparency properties in different regions: a transparent portion located precisely where the identification code is positioned, and opaque portions in other areas. This local quality approach provides code reading capability exactly where needed while minimizing the total area of transparent material exposed to rubbing and aging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the transparent cover area is increased to ensure complete code visibility, then code reading is facilitated, but the cover experiences more rubbing and aging, accelerating transparency loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode detection difficultyVSAvoidrubbing and aging exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is divided into a minimal transparent portion and opaque portions. The transparent portion is sized and positioned to expose only the identification code area, minimizing the surface area subject to rubbing and aging while ensuring complete code visibility when the code is positioned in the predetermined location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250098131A1Feeder, component mounting apparatus, and component mounting method

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 FUJI CORP

AI summary

A feeder for feeding a tape that accommodates a component and supplying the component includes a feeder main body provided with a holding section that holds a disk-shaped reel around which the tape is wound to be rotatable about a central axis, and a plate-shaped cover configured to open and close the holding section. The cover includes an opening at a location corresponding to a region of a board surface of the reel to which an identification code of the reel is able to be given.