Friction Drive Rail for Work Apparatus Setup Cost Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The engagement state of the rack and pinion mechanism in work apparatuses affects movement, requiring precise setup and increasing costs due to the need for a straight, accurately formed rack, which is costly and restrictive.

Innovation Solution

A work apparatus that uses a driving wheel engaging with a first rail via friction to move an exchanging device along a planar traveling path, reducing setup costs by eliminating the need for precise rack and pinion configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rack and pinion mechanism is used to move the work apparatus, then reliable movement is achieved, but setup costs increase due to the need for precise rack configuration and straight alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement reliabilityVSAvoidsetup cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional rack and pinion mechanical engagement system with a friction-based driving system. A driving wheel presses against a planar rail surface to generate friction force that propels the work apparatus along the rail. This substitution eliminates the need for precise rack tooth configuration and straight alignment, significantly reducing setup costs while maintaining reliable movement through controlled friction between the driving wheel and rail surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental interaction parameter from mechanical engagement (rack teeth meshing with pinion) to friction-based interaction (driving wheel pressing against planar rail). This parameter change allows the rail to be formed as a simple planar surface without requiring precise tooth pitch or straightness, thereby reducing manufacturing and setup costs while maintaining movement reliability through adjustable friction force

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple rail members are connected to form the rack, then the rail can be assembled, but the pitch of rack teeth must be maintained at joins, increasing setup complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverail assemblyVSAvoidrack tooth pitch alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing the rack and pinion system with a friction-based driving system, the patent eliminates the critical requirement for maintaining rack tooth pitch alignment at rail member joins. The planar rail surface can be assembled from multiple segments without precision alignment requirements, as the friction-driven mechanism only requires a continuous planar surface for the driving wheel to press against, significantly simplifying assembly while maintaining movement reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the rack is formed in a straight line with specified accuracy, then reliable pinion engagement is achieved, but the cost of setting up the work apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepinion engagement reliabilityVSAvoidsetup cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the precision mechanical engagement of pinion with rack teeth with a friction-based propulsion system. The driving wheel presses against a planar rail surface, generating friction force to move the work apparatus. This eliminates the requirement for the rail to be formed in a perfectly straight line with specified accuracy, reducing setup costs while maintaining reliable movement through controlled friction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the critical parameter from geometric precision (straight line formation and tooth alignment) to friction control (pressing force and surface contact). This parameter change allows the rail to be formed as a simple planar surface that can be assembled with standard tolerances, significantly reducing setup costs while maintaining reliable movement through adjustable friction-based propulsion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration allows for efficient movement of the work apparatus along a production line while reducing setup costs and noise, as the driving wheel can roll on a planar path without the need for precise rack teeth alignment, improving operational flexibility and reducing manufacturing costs.

Implementation Method 1

a driving wheel configured to engage with first rail (52) via friction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3419402B1Work apparatus and production line

Publication Date: 2021.10.27 FUJI CORP

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AI summary

A work apparatus and a production line that effectively moves a work apparatus at a production line while reducing setup costs. A work apparatus of the production line includes an exchanging device configured to perform collecting and supplying of an exchange element set on each of the multiple electronic component mounters; a first rail provided on a front section of the multiple electronic component mounters, extending in the conveyance direction of the circuit board, and including a planar traveling path; and a moving device configured to move the exchanging device along the first rail by driving a driving wheel configured to engage with the traveling path of the first rail via friction.