Gravity-Driven Component Supply with Weight Ball Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional component supply devices are complex, costly, and inefficient due to the need for air pressure systems and multiple tiered tube structures, making it difficult to detect empty tubes and replace them efficiently, especially when handling various types and sizes of components.
Innovation Solution
A component supply device that uses a weight ball to slide components along an inclined stick by gravity, with a sensor detecting the weight ball's position to signal when the stick is empty, allowing for automatic or manual replacement without air pressure, and a versatile stick design that supports components stably across different sizes and types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air pressure is used to press components in the supplying direction, then components can be reliably supplied, but the device structure becomes complex and size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the air pressure generating portion, air pressure supply route, and air pressure switching/adjusting portion from the component supply device. Instead of using air pressure to move components, the invention uses a weight ball that rolls down an inclined stick to directly push components along the supply path, thereby simplifying the device structure while maintaining reliable component supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the pneumatic system (air pressure generation and control) with a simple mechanical system consisting of an inclined stick and a weight ball. The weight ball converts gravitational potential energy into kinetic energy to push components, eliminating the need for complex air pressure control mechanisms while achieving reliable component movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tiers tubes are arranged to supply different connector types, then various connectors can be supplied, but it becomes difficult to detect empty tubes and replace them efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a weight ball as an intermediary element in each stick. The weight ball serves as a visual and functional indicator: when present at the bottom of the stick, it indicates the stick is not empty; when absent, it signals the stick is empty and needs replacement. This intermediary makes empty tube detection immediate and obvious without requiring complex sensors or inspection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
While not explicitly using color changes, the patent employs a visual indication principle where the presence or absence of the weight ball (a distinct physical object) provides immediate visual feedback about the stick's status. This simple visual indicator system allows operators to quickly identify which sticks need replacement among multiple tiers.
3Productivity
If air pressure systems are included in the component supply device, then components can be pressurized and moved, but the cost of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex air pressure systems with inexpensive mechanical components - specifically, simple inclined sticks and weight balls. These mechanical elements are much cheaper to manufacture and install than pneumatic systems, while still achieving the necessary component movement functionality. The weight ball acts as a simple, low-cost actuator that eliminates the need for costly air pressure infrastructure.
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 solution simplifies the device structure, reduces size and cost, enables quick and reliable detection of empty sticks, and allows for efficient replacement, ensuring continuous component supply with increased versatility across different types and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a component supply device for supplying components such as a connector housing by inclining a stick which receives the components forward and downward and sliding the components along the stick
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A component supply device (1) of the present invention includes a stick (2) continuously receiving a plurality of components (3) and inclining in a component supply direction, a weight ball (4) arranged in the end of the components in the stick and pressing the components in the component supply direction, a component supply route (5) connected to the stick (2), a weight ball collection route (6) connected to a hole for collecting the weight ball arranged in the component supply route, and a sensor (7) for detecting the weight ball arranged in the weight ball collection route. Moreover, the component supply device (1) has a lifting and lowering device operating by a signal of the sensor (7). The multiple tiers sticks (2) is lowered to one tier by the lifting and lowering device, and the empty bottom stick (2 1 ) is removed from the component supply route.