Modular Roller Structure for SMT Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional roller structures are complex to assemble, not suitable for modularization, and incompatible with Surface Mount Technology (SMT), leading to inefficiencies in production and assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A modular roller structure comprising a first sleeve with a mounting portion and a positioning element, allowing for easy assembly and integration with SMT processes, featuring a rotating roller portion that can be mounted on a carried object or circuit board using standardized components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional roller structures are used, then the movable components can move along the rail, but the assembly procedure is difficult and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The roller structure is divided into distinct modular components: a sleeve portion, a roller portion, and a positioning element. These segmented parts can be manufactured separately and assembled through simple insertion, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures while maintaining the functional integrity of the roller system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized roller structure is designed with universal features that allow it to be applied to various movable objects including sliding doors, drawers, and movable panels. The standardized interface and modular design enable the same roller assembly to serve multiple functions across different applications, simplifying the assembly process for diverse uses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If conventional roller structures are used, then the rollers can be mounted on movable objects, but the assembly process is complicated and production efficiency is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the roller into standardized modular components (sleeve, roller, positioning element), the invention enables parallel manufacturing and simplified assembly operations. The segmented design allows for pre-assembly and quality control of individual components, significantly improving production efficiency while reducing assembly process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning element is designed to be inserted first to establish the correct position and orientation, followed by the roller portion. This preliminary action of positioning before final assembly simplifies the overall assembly process and enables faster production cycles by eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during final assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional roller structures are used, then the rollers can function on movable objects, but they are not suitable for modularized assembly and production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodularized production suitabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The roller structure is explicitly designed as a segmented modular system where the sleeve portion, roller portion, and positioning element can be manufactured independently using standardized processes. This segmentation enables modularized production where components can be mass-produced and then assembled, greatly improving ease of manufacture while the standardized design keeps structural complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized roller structure serves as a universal modular component that can be integrated into various movable object designs. The universal interface and standardized dimensions allow the same roller assembly to be used across different product lines, enabling modularized production while maintaining functional versatility without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Extent of automation

If conventional roller structures are used, then the rollers can be mounted on movable objects, but they are unfit for use with SMT and automated assembly processes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSMT compatibilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The roller structure incorporates a standardized connection portion with features suitable for automated assembly and SMT processes. The standardized interface allows for programmable positioning and automated attachment to circuit boards or movable objects, enabling integration with automated production lines while the modular design keeps the overall structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10155413B2Roller structure and method of using the same
Publication Date: 2018.12.18 DTECH PRECISION INDS
  • US10155413B2 patent drawing
  • US10155413B2 patent drawing
  • US10155413B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A roller structure and method of using the same are introduced. The roller structure includes a first sleeve having a mounting portion for mounting a roller portion and a first connection portion for mounting a carried object, wherein the roller portion is disposed at the mounting portion; and a positioning element disposed at the first sleeve and the roller portion to cause the roller portion to rotate relative to the mounting portion. The roller structure can be conveniently and quickly amounted on the carried object, roller frame or circuit board such that roller structure gets standardized and modularized to serve an industrial purpose and provides rollers rotatable in all directions and suitable for use in SMT (Surface Mount Technology) processes and automated assembly operation.