Reel Holding Device Gravity Axle Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
In component mounters, the process of removing a reel after the carrier tape wound around its axle is used up is inefficient, requiring significant operator burden as manual intervention is often necessary.
Innovation Solution
A reel holding device with a reel supporting member that guides the axle to a discharge opening as the tape is pulled out, allowing the axle to be automatically discharged under gravity, reducing the need for manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the reel is held by a pair of holding axes abutting on the outer periphery of the reel, then the reel can be supported stably during carrier tape feeding, but the operator must manually lift the reel to remove it after the tape is used up
Solution Approach 1:
The holding mechanism is divided into two functional zones: an upper holding portion that supports the reel during feeding, and a lower discharge opening that facilitates easy removal. The reel supporting member is segmented to provide both stable holding and automatic discharge functions, allowing the reel to be held stably during operation and easily removed after use by simply ejecting the axle through the discharge opening
Solution Approach 2:
The reel supporting member acts as an intermediary between the holding axes and the discharge mechanism. It provides a guided path for the axle through the discharge opening, serving as a mediator that transitions the reel from a held state to a discharged state without requiring full manual removal, thus reducing operator burden while maintaining stability during feeding
2Measurement precision
If manual intervention is required to remove the reel after carrier tape is used up, then the reel can be precisely positioned during feeding, but the operator burden increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge opening is pre-configured with guiding structures that automatically guide the axle during removal. The reel supporting member is designed in advance to provide a smooth transition path, so when the operator needs to remove the reel, the axle is automatically guided through the discharge opening without requiring precise manual positioning, thus maintaining positioning precision while improving operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The reel removal process is designed to be self-guiding through the discharge opening. The guiding structures in the discharge opening and reel supporting member enable the axle to find its own path during removal, reducing the need for operator intervention and skill, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining accurate reel positioning during the feeding phase
3Device complexity
If the reel holding device uses a simple holding structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to automatically guide the axle for discharge is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The reel supporting member has different local qualities: the upper portion provides simple holding support with minimal structure, while the lower portion near the discharge opening incorporates guiding structures. This local differentiation allows the device to maintain low overall complexity while providing automated guidance functionality where needed, enabling simple holding structure with effective axle discharge guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge opening is designed with specific dimensional characteristics that enable automatic guidance. By configuring the width and shape of the discharge opening in the vertical dimension, the system provides automated guidance for the axle without adding complex mechanical guides, thus maintaining device simplicity while achieving automation in the discharge process
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 significantly reduces the operator's burden by enabling automatic discharge of the reel after the tape is used up, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the axle, which displaces under the force of gravity with decreasing amount of the carrier tape wound around the axle by pulling the carrier tape from the reel, is guided to the discharge opening by the reel supporting member
Data Source
AI summary
A reel holder includes a reel supporting member that is configured to support an axle against a force of gravity. The reel supporting member has an abutting part configured to support a reel, form a discharge opening having a width that allows the axle of the reel to be discharged through the discharge opening, and abut on carrier tape that is wound around the axle and accommodates a component. The reel holder further includes a tape supplier configured to pull out the carrier tape from the reel held by the reel holder and feed the carrier tape to a predetermined component supplying position. The axle of the reel, which displaces under the force of gravity with a decreasing amount of the carrier tape wound around the axle by pulling the carrier tape from the reel, is guided to the discharge opening by the reel supporting member.