Part Feeding Device Tape Guide and Magnetic Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional part feeding devices face challenges in accurately detecting the presence or absence of parts in storage, particularly with varying part sizes and types, leading to unstable detection accuracy due to differences in part feeding tape thicknesses.

Innovation Solution

The part feeding device incorporates a transporting passage with a guide surface and ceiling surface configuration that supports the part feeding tape, including a partial guide surface with an approaching portion, and a part detecting sensor with a light transmissive method or magnetic sensor, positioned upstream of the detection point to stabilize the tape and ensure accurate detection regardless of tape thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an optical sensor is used to detect the presence or absence of parts in the storage of the part feeding tape, then the detection function is provided, but the detection accuracy becomes unstable when the thickness of the part feeding tape varies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidcompatibility with different tape thicknesses

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A magnetic sensor is introduced as an intermediary detection device that detects the presence or absence of a magnetic body attached to the part feeding tape. This magnetic sensor acts as a mediator that is not affected by variations in tape thickness, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining stable detection accuracy and accommodating different tape thicknesses. The magnetic field detection method provides a consistent detection mechanism regardless of the physical dimensions of the tape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the part detecting sensor is positioned at the detection position, then the part detection is performed, but the detection accuracy is affected by variations in tape thickness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddetection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The optical detection system is replaced with a magnetic detection system. Instead of using light-based optical sensors that are sensitive to mechanical variations in tape thickness, a magnetic sensor is employed that detects the presence of a magnetic body on the tape. This substitution of the detection mechanism eliminates the influence of mechanical dimensional variations, thereby improving both detection accuracy and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If a conventional optical detection system is used, then the part presence can be detected, but the system becomes sensitive to tape thickness variations causing unstable detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection functionVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection parameter is changed from optical properties (light transmission/reflection) to magnetic properties (magnetic field presence). By detecting the presence of a magnetic body on the part feeding tape through magnetic field interaction rather than optical interaction, the system maintains ease of operation while achieving stable and accurate detection that is independent of tape thickness variations.

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 enables stable detection of parts across different tape thicknesses and types, ensuring accurate positioning and removal of parts for mounting on substrates, enhancing the versatility and reliability of the part feeding system.

Implementation Method 1

part detecting sensor with a light transmissive method or magnetic sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

part detecting sensor with a light transmissive method

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS10405470B2Part feeding device and part mounting apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.09.03 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A part feeding device of the present disclosure includes a main body; a conveyor; and a part detector. At a position further upstream than the part detector, the transporting passage includes a guide surface for guiding the lower surface of the part feeding tape, and a ceiling surface which faces the guide surface and is positioned at a position upwardly apart from the guide surface by the dimension larger than the thickness of the part feeding tape having the maximum thickness to be used in the part feeding device. The transporting passage includes a partial guide surface which supports the lower surface of the part feeding tape, and the partial guide surface includes an approaching portion approaching a ceiling surface in a downstream direction.