Feeder Sprocket Segmentation for Safe Tape Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-splicing feeders pose a safety risk as they suddenly pull new carrier tape into the feeder, potentially disturbing the operator holding it.
Innovation Solution
A feeder design with a downstream sprocket and an upstream sprocket, where the upstream sprocket has engaging protrusions only on a portion of its circumference, ensuring the new carrier tape is pulled intermittently and not suddenly, and a synchronous rotation drive section for both sprockets to maintain safety and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the downstream sprocket engages with the engaging hole on the leading end of the newly inserted carrier tape, then the carrier tape is taken into the feeder, but the carrier tape is pulled suddenly causing safety risk to the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement function is segmented between two sprockets: the upstream sprocket with engaging protrusions at only a portion of its outer circumference provides gradual engagement, while the downstream sprocket with engaging protrusions around the entire outer circumference ensures complete feeding. This segmentation allows the carrier tape to be taken in gradually rather than suddenly, eliminating the safety risk.
2Ease of operation
If two separate rotation drive sections are provided for the downstream and upstream sprockets respectively, then each sprocket can be controlled independently, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate rotation drive sections are merged into a single rotation drive section that controls both the downstream sprocket and the upstream sprocket. This single drive section rotates both sprockets synchronously, maintaining the ability to control carrier tape feeding while reducing device complexity and cost.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A non-splicing feeder for which new carrier tape can be set safely. Included are third sprocket 63 rotatably provided on the insertion section 21d of main body 21, fourth sprocket 64 rotatably provided upstream from sprocket 63 in the conveyance direction; third engaging protrusions 63a which engage with engaging holes 901b are formed at a fixed angle on the outer circumference of first sprocket 61, and fourth engaging protrusions 64a which engage with engaging holes 901b are formed at only a portion of the outer circumference of fourth sprocket 64.