RFID Reel Case Handling for Faster Component Stocking and Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional component management devices require significant time and effort for attaching or detaching components to and from trays during stocking and retrieval, necessitating a more efficient and easy solution.

Innovation Solution

A component management device and method that includes a roll body extractor to house components in a case with a storage unit, an identification information generator, a storage warehouse with a case transfer mechanism, and information managers to associate and manage component and storage position information efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual attachment and detachment of reels to trays is performed during stocking and retrieval, then component management can be performed, but significant time and effort are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of stocking and retrievalVSAvoidtime required for stocking and retrieval

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service through automated mechanisms where the reel automatically attaches to and detaches from the tray without manual intervention. The automated reel mounting/dismounting mechanism allows the carrier tape reel to be automatically positioned on the tray during stocking and automatically removed during retrieval, eliminating the need for operator manual handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated mechanical systems. The automated reel mounting/dismounting mechanism uses mechanical automation to perform the attachment and detachment functions that were previously done manually, thereby reducing operator effort and time consumption during component stocking and retrieval operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated reel mounting and dismounting mechanisms are implemented, then stocking and retrieval efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestocking and retrieval efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of automated mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tray is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a carrier for the reel during automated handling and as a functional component in the printing device. The automated reel mounting/dismounting mechanism integrates with the existing tray structure, allowing the same mechanism to handle both the automated stocking/retrieval functions and maintain compatibility with the printing device operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an automated reel mounting/dismounting mechanism as an intermediary component that facilitates the connection between the carrier tape reel and the tray. This intermediary mechanism enables automated handling while mediating the interaction between the reel and tray, thereby achieving productivity improvement without requiring direct complex integration between all system components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If manual handling of carrier tapes is performed, then component management is possible, but operator effort and time are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of component handlingVSAvoidtime consumed by operator

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12583677B2Component management device and component management method

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

Provided are a roll body extractor that extracts roll bodies from reels and store the roll bodies in cases having radio tags, respectively, and a storage warehouse that includes a plurality of storage positions for storing the cases storing the roll bodies. Furthermore, provided are a reading unit that acquires component information, an identification information generator that generates identification information for identifying a component, a writing unit that writes the component information and the identification information in the radio tag, and a contactless reader that reads the identification information written in the radio tag. Further, the component information written in the radio tag and the identification information are stored in association with each other, and storage position information generated by specifying the storage position and the identification information read by the contactless reader are stored in association with each other.