Feeder Engaging Member Prevents Carrier Tape Dislodgement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carrier tapes in a feeder can fall out when a load is applied in the removal direction, especially when in a standby state waiting to be indexed.
Innovation Solution
A feeder with a sprocket that engages indexing holes on the carrier tape, a pushing member to move the tape vertically, and an interlocking mechanism that moves an engaging member to restrict movement when the tape is not being pushed, ensuring the tape is held in place and allows movement when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the carrier tape is left in a standby state at the specified position waiting for sprocket rotation, then the indexing operation can be performed, but the carrier tape may fall out of the feeder when a load is applied in the removal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging member is positioned in advance at the specified position upstream of the carrier tape insertion point. When the carrier tape is inserted, the engaging member automatically engages with the indexing holes before the sprocket rotation begins, preventing the tape from falling out during the standby state. This preliminary engagement action resolves the contradiction by securing the tape beforehand without interfering with the subsequent indexing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging member acts as an intermediary between the carrier tape and the feeder mechanism. It provides a temporary holding function by engaging with the indexing holes, allowing the tape to be retained in the standby state without requiring direct mechanical constraint that would interfere with the sprocket's indexing operation. The engaging member mediates between the need for tape retention and the need for smooth indexing.
2Reliability
If an engaging member is used to hold the carrier tape in place, then the tape is prevented from falling out, but the engaging member may obstruct the indexing of in-use carrier tape
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging member is positioned at a specific location upstream of the carrier tape insertion point, rather than along the entire path of the tape. This localized positioning ensures that the engaging member only interacts with the standby tape and does not obstruct the in-use tape during its indexing operation. The local quality principle resolves the contradiction by confining the retention function to a specific zone that does not interfere with the productivity-critical indexing path.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeder system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the engaging member operates in the upstream standby zone, while the sprocket operates in the downstream indexing zone. This segmentation allows the engaging member to perform its retention function without interfering with the sprocket's indexing operation, as they operate in separate spatial and functional domains. The segmentation principle resolves the contradiction by dividing the system into non-interfering functional segments.
Data Source
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AI summary
A feeder that prevents carrier tape in a standby state waiting to be indexed from coming out of the feeder. The feeder is provided with a pushing member that pushes the carrier tape against a rail, an engaging member engageable with indexing holes of the carrier tape, and an interlocking mechanism that moves an engaging member upwards by interlocking with the upwards movement of the pushing member. The engaging member engages with indexing holes of the carrier to restrict the movement of the carrier tape to the insertion section side. The interlocking mechanism separates the engaging member from the indexing holes of the carrier tape by interlocking upwards movement of the engaging member with upwards movement of the pushing member, allowing movement of the carrier tape in the conveyance direction.