Feeder Sprocket Control Prevents Carrier Tape Damage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In existing autoloading feeders, the carrier tape is prone to deformation or scratching during the unloading process due to misalignment between the engagement protrusions and holes, leading to contact with non-engagement areas.
Innovation Solution
A feeder configuration with a first sprocket having engagement protrusions on only part of its outer circumference and a second sprocket on the supply section side, controlled by a device to restrict contact between the first sprocket's protrusions and the carrier tape after disengagement from the second sprocket during unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If engagement protrusions are formed only on part of the outer circumference of the first sprocket to enable intermittent conveyance, then the carrier tape can be conveyed efficiently, but the carrier tape may contact non-engagement areas causing deformation or scratching
Solution Approach 1:
The control device stops the first sprocket in advance before the engagement protrusions reach the carrier tape, ensuring they do not contact the tape after disengagement from the second sprocket. This preliminary stopping action prevents harmful contact that would cause deformation or scratching.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device monitors the operational state of both sprockets and adjusts the first sprocket's stopping timing based on the second sprocket's disengagement status. This feedback mechanism ensures the engagement protrusions are positioned safely away from the carrier tape at the appropriate moment.
2Ease of operation
If the first sprocket continues rotating after the second sprocket disengages, then the intermittent conveyance function is maintained, but misalignment causes engagement protrusions to contact non-engagement areas
Solution Approach 1:
The first sprocket is stopped preliminarily before potential harmful contact occurs. The control device calculates the appropriate stopping point based on the second sprocket's position, ensuring engagement protrusions are repositioned away from the carrier tape before any possible contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational state of the first sprocket is dynamically adjusted based on real-time operational conditions. Instead of maintaining a fixed rotation pattern, the sprocket's motion is modulated to stop at precise moments that prevent carrier tape damage while preserving conveyance functionality.
3Manufacturing precision
If engagement protrusions are positioned to engage with engagement holes, then carrier tape conveyance is achieved, but displacement causes contact with portions other than engagement holes
Solution Approach 1:
The control device applies a counter-action by stopping the first sprocket before misaligned engagement protrusions can contact the carrier tape. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the potential harmful effect of displacement, preventing deformation even when alignment is not perfect.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a preliminary stopping action to reposition engagement protrusions away from the carrier tape before any harmful contact can occur. This advance positioning ensures that even if displacement happens, the protrusions will not contact non-engagement areas.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The feeder includes a first sprocket provided in an insertion section, having engagement protrusions, engageable with engagement holes of a carrier tape, formed on only a part of the outer circumference, and a second sprocket arranged side by side with the first sprocket, on the supply section side of the first sprocket, having engagement protrusions formed over the entire circumference. A control device of the feeder restricts contact between the engagement protrusions of the first sprocket facing the carrier tape and the carrier tape after the engagement protrusions of the second sprocket disengage from the carrier tape in an unloading process of conveying the carrier tape to the insertion section side.