Scribing Tool Change Mechanism Using Suction Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing scribe apparatuses face challenges in improving productivity, tool compatibility, and fool-proof functionality, particularly in reducing automatic tool replacement time, enhancing compatibility with various scribing tools, and ensuring safe and correct operation during tool changes.

Innovation Solution

A tool change mechanism is introduced that includes a remover for extracting used scribing tools, a cartridge for accommodating multiple tools, and a transfer nozzle that moves tools using air suction, allowing for quick and safe replacement of scribing tools between the holder joint and the cartridge, with features like a tool absorbing part, suction tube, and lifting mechanism for vertical movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual tool replacement is used, then operation flexibility is maintained, but productivity decreases due to longer replacement time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operating timeVSAvoidtool replacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic tool replacement without operator intervention. The remover automatically detaches used tools from the holder joint, and the transfer nozzle automatically transfers new tools from the cartridge to the holder joint, enabling the system to service itself during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer nozzle acts as an intermediary component that bridges the cartridge and holder joint. It receives tools from the cartridge, holds them temporarily, and transfers them to the holder joint, enabling automated tool replacement while the apparatus operates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple scribing tools are supported, then tool compatibility improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool compatibilityVSAvoidcartridge and transfer mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cartridge is designed as a universal container that can accommodate multiple different types of scribing tools. The holder joint and transfer nozzle are designed with universal interfaces that can handle various tool configurations, enabling one system to perform multiple tooling functions.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The tool replacement system is segmented into independent functional modules: the cartridge storing multiple tools, the remover detaching tools from the holder joint, and the transfer nozzle transferring tools. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If automatic tool replacement is implemented, then productivity increases, but fool-proof functionality decreases due to potential erroneous operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool replacement speedVSAvoidoperational safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates recognition functionality that detects whether a scribing tool is properly attached to the holder joint before resuming operation. This feedback mechanism ensures that only correctly installed tools are used, preventing erroneous operations while maintaining automated replacement benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs verification checks before resuming scribing operations after tool replacement. The recognition function confirms proper tool attachment in advance, cushioning against potential errors by preventing operation with incorrectly installed tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 solution enhances productivity by reducing tool replacement time, improves tool compatibility by accommodating different scribing tools, and ensures fool-proof functionality by ensuring safe and correct tool attachment and detachment processes.

Implementation Method 1

the transfer nozzle is configured to absorb the scribing tool in an air suction manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir suction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3804933B1Scribe device and tool change mechanism provided to scribe device
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 MITSUBOSHI DIAMOND IND CO LTD
  • EP3804933B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3804933B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3804933B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Productivity, tool compatibility, and fool-proof functionality of a scribe apparatus are further improved. A scribe apparatus (1) of the present invention has mount means (3) where a brittle material substrate (2) is mounted, a scribe head (7) provided so as to be opposed to the brittle material substrate (2) on the mount means (3), a holder joint (19) provided at a tip of the scribe head (7), a tool (8) removably attached to the holder joint (19) to form a scribe line on the brittle material substrate (2), and a tool change mechanism (30) which replaces the tool (8) after use by another tool (8), wherein the tool change mechanism (30) has a remover (41) which removes the tool (8) from the holder joint (19), a cartridge (31) having a plurality of scribing tools (8) accommodated therein, and a transfer nozzle (81) which moves the tool (8) between the remover (41) and the cartridge (31), and the transfer nozzle (81) absorbs the tool (8) by air suction.