Self-Adhesive Object Return Mechanism for Carrier Tape
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for removing defective self-adhesive objects from carrier tapes in web processing systems require protective coatings to prevent adhesive contact with mechanical components, leading to operational complexity and hygiene issues, especially in sterile environments, and often require increased space and additional handling steps.
Innovation Solution
A device that redirects defective self-adhesive objects back onto an empty carrier tape using a receiving unit positioned behind a deflection roller, eliminating the need for protective coatings on mechanical components and simplifying cleaning and maintenance, while allowing for efficient counting and removal of defective objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stamps or reject rolls are used to remove defective objects, then defective parts can be separated, but protective elements are required to prevent adhesive contact with mechanical components, leading to increased operational complexity and maintenance effort
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the defective objects from the carrier tape at the dispensing edge and returns them to the empty carrier tape downstream, eliminating the need for protective elements on mechanical components. The defective objects are separated through the dispensing edge geometry and then redirected back onto the carrier tape using a receiving unit and deflection roller, avoiding contact with stamps or reject rolls entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using mechanical components to actively remove defective objects, the invention inverts the approach by allowing defective objects to remain on the carrier tape and using the empty carrier tape downstream as the collection mechanism. The receiving unit redirects dispensed objects back onto the empty carrier tape, reversing the conventional removal approach.
2Reliability
If stamps or reject rolls with protective elements are used, then defective objects can be removed, but cleaning and maintenance effort increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the need for protective elements and their associated maintenance by extracting defective objects through the dispensing edge and returning them to the empty carrier tape. The receiving unit and deflection roller system requires no protective coatings, eliminating cleaning and maintenance issues related to adhesive contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The empty carrier tape serves a dual function: transporting good objects and collecting defective objects. The system uses the existing carrier tape infrastructure for defective object collection, eliminating the need for separate maintenance-prone components like protective elements on stamps or reject rolls.
3Reliability
If the dispensing edge is moved to change deflection path geometry, then defective parts can remain on carrier tape, but space requirements in the dispensing edge area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the space conflict by moving the receiving function from the horizontal dispensing edge area to the vertical downstream area. The receiving unit is positioned downstream where empty carrier tape is available, utilizing the third dimension (downstream space) rather than expanding the horizontal dispensing edge area.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the dispensing edge to retain defective objects, the invention inverts the approach by maintaining the dispensing edge in its original position and using the empty carrier tape downstream as the collection mechanism. The receiving unit redirects objects back onto the carrier tape, achieving retention without dispensing edge movement.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If protective coatings are applied to mechanical components, then adhesive contact is prevented, but device complexity and hygiene compliance become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts defective objects from the processing stream at the dispensing edge and returns them to the empty carrier tape, eliminating the need for protective coatings on mechanical components. The receiving unit and deflection roller system has no adhesive contact issues, removing the requirement for protective elements entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the self-adhesive properties of objects against the carrier tape to achieve separation and collection, rather than relying on protective coatings. The carrier tape's adhesive surface naturally collects defective objects, eliminating the need for additional protective measures.
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
Enables hygienic removal of defective objects in aseptic environments without protective coatings, reduces device complexity and size, and streamlines the process by allowing defective objects to be transported back on the carrier tape for easy removal, improving operational efficiency and compliance with regulatory standards.
Implementation Method 1
The self-adhesive objects can be transferred directly or indirectly onto the empty carrier belt
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for returning dispensed objects (24) to a carrier belt (22). The device (10) has a carrier belt (22) on which self-adhesive objects (24) are present. The self-adhesive objects (24) can be detached from the carrier belt (22) via a dispensing edge (30). The empty carrier belt (22') is guided over at least one deflection roller (32). According to the invention, a receiving unit (36, 52) is provided behind the at least one deflection roller (32) in the direction of travel (26) of the empty carrier belt (22'), over which the empty carrier belt (22') is guided. A receiving unit (36, 52) is positioned at least temporarily in front of the dispensing edge (30), so that self-adhesive objects (24) dispensed from the dispensing edge (30) can be transferred directly or indirectly to the empty carrier belt (22').