Feeder Wagon Linear Guide for Deep Compartment Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing component mounting machines struggle with picking components from deep compartments in carrier tapes and accommodating tapes of varying widths, leading to inefficiencies and component wastage during loading and reloading processes.
Innovation Solution
A linear guide and feeder wagon system that allows movement along the Y and Z axes, enabling the picker to access components in deep compartments and accommodating tapes of different widths, with a force-transmitting mechanism that includes a feeder head and spring interfaces, allowing for precise engagement and movement of component tapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional tape feeding mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot pick components from deep compartments in carrier tapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a linear guide mechanism that enables movement along both Y-axis (lateral) and Z-axis (vertical) dimensions. This two-dimensional movement capability allows the picking mechanism to access components in deep compartments by moving vertically downward, while also accommodating tapes of varying widths through lateral movement, thereby resolving the limitation of conventional single-axis feeding mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tape feeding mechanism is designed to accommodate varying tape widths, then versatility is improved, but positioning precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The linear guide mechanism serves multiple functions: it accommodates tapes of different widths through Y-axis movement, positions the picking mechanism accurately over deep compartments via Z-axis movement, and maintains precise positioning through its guided rail structure. This multi-functional design achieves both versatility and precision without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
3Productivity
If a separate cover tape handling means is used, then component picking is enabled, but component wastage increases due to required separation distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cover tape handling function into the same linear guide mechanism used for component picking. The picking mechanism can selectively engage either the cover tape or the carrier tape with components, eliminating the need for a separate cover tape handling system. This integration allows components to be picked immediately after cover tape removal without requiring excessive separation distance, thereby reducing component wastage.
4Ease of repair
If the feeder head is made replaceable, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder head is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently replaced. The linear guide mechanism and feeder head are decoupled, allowing the feeder head to be swapped without affecting the guide structure. This segmentation enables easy maintenance and repair while the standardized interface minimizes the added complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tape feeder, including a tape feeder body and a feeder wagon/linear guide, is used to direct component tape in a linear movement towards a component pick position. The feeder wagon comprises a feeder wagon body slidably mounted to the tape feeder body for movement between a first, pickup position and a second, delivery position. The feeder wagon further comprises a feeder head mounted to the feeder wagon body for movement (1) with the feeder wagon body as it moves along the first path, and (2) along a second path transverse to the first path between a first, tape-engaged position and a second, tape-released position. The feeder head comprises a tape-engaging element engageable with component tape.