Reading Device Tray Tag Alignment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reading devices for identification tags on trays face difficulties in reading the tags when there are obstructions between the tag reader and the tag, as the tray must be pulled out and aligned under the reader, which can prevent successful reading.

Innovation Solution

A reading device with a control system that moves a holding device to align the identification information application member with the reader, allowing for multiple reading processes to ensure successful data capture, including moving the holding device to a preset position, adjusting its contact with the tag, and storing positional information for efficient reading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the tray is pulled out and aligned under the tag reader to read identification information, then the reading process can be performed, but reading failures occur due to obstructions between the tag reader and identification tag

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereading success rateVSAvoidreading process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a third reading direction (from the side) in addition to the conventional top-down reading direction. This dimensional change allows the tag reader to read identification tags from multiple angles, bypassing obstructions that block the conventional reading path. The reading device can now read tags on tray surfaces, side walls, or any surface accessible from the side, significantly improving reading reliability without adding complex mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If multiple reading processes are implemented to read identification information from different positions, then the likelihood of successful reading is improved, but the reading time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification information reading reliabilityVSAvoidreading process time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple reading operations into a single integrated reading process. The tag reader is configured to perform readings from both the top direction and side direction in one continuous operation, eliminating the need for separate reading steps. This combining of reading directions reduces total reading time while maintaining high reliability, as the system automatically selects the appropriate reading direction based on tag position and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection to determine the optimal reading direction before executing the main reading operation. By pre-assessing tag position, orientation, and potential obstructions, the control device can select the most efficient reading path in advance, avoiding unnecessary reading attempts and reducing overall reading time while ensuring high success rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3261423B1Reading device
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 FUJI CORP
  • EP3261423B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3261423B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3261423B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A reading device which reads identification information of an identification information application member to which the identification information which indicates a type of component to be mounted by a component mounting machine is applied. The reading device is provided with an identification information reading device which is capable of reading the identification information, a holding device which holds an identification information application member, a moving device which moves the holding device relative to the identification information reading device, and a control device which controls operations of the identification information reading device, the holding device, and the moving device. The control device causes the holding device to move using the moving device such that at least a portion of the holding region in which the holding device holds the identification information application member is a reading region of the identification information reading device to move the identification information application member and is configured to perform a first reading process which carries out a reading process of the identification information using the identification information in a state in which holding of the identification information application member using the holding device is released.