Automatic Splicing Device Reel Recognition Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic splicing devices fail to reliably connect the correct reels of carrier tapes, leading to misrecognition and reduced production efficiency in component mounters due to incorrect reel recognition.

Innovation Solution

An automatic splicing device equipped with a tape connecting mechanism, reading device for identification information, communication device for data exchange with the component mounter or host computer, and a control device to manage the connection process, ensuring accurate matching and prevention of misrecognition by detecting empty cavities and verifying reel information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual reel recognition and connection is performed by operator, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but misrecognition occurs leading to reduced production efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereel recognition accuracyVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by reading identification information from reels, comparing it with expected component types, and providing verification to prevent misrecognition. The barcode reader and control device create a closed-loop system that confirms reel identity before allowing connection, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical reel handling and visual recognition with automated optical scanning (barcode reader) and electronic control. This substitution eliminates human error in reel identification while maintaining operational flexibility, resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If automated splicing is implemented without verification, then productivity increases, but reel misrecognition leads to incorrect connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplicing speedVSAvoidconnection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification by reading and validating identification information from reels before the actual splicing operation. This advance check ensures that only correctly identified reels are connected, maintaining high connection accuracy while enabling automated high-speed splicing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device receives feedback from the barcode reader about reel identification and uses this information to control whether the splicing mechanism operates. This feedback loop ensures that automated splicing only occurs when reel identity is confirmed, preventing incorrect connections while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If reel identification verification is added to prevent misrecognition, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereel matching accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device serves multiple functions: it controls the splicing mechanism, manages the barcode reader, validates identification information, and coordinates the overall operation. By making the control device multi-functional, the system improves reliability through verification without adding separate dedicated components for each function

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

Solution Approach 2:

The barcode reader acts as an intermediary between the physical reel and the control system, converting physical identification marks into electronic data that can be verified. This intermediary simplifies the verification process compared to direct mechanical or optical comparison methods, improving reliability while limiting complexity growth

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3280239B1Automatic splicing device
Publication Date: 2020.12.23 FUJI CORP
  • EP3280239B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3280239B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3280239B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An automatic splicing device (20) provided with a reading device (30) configured to read identification information affixed to each of a first reel (11) around which first tape (Tc) is wound and a second reel (11) around which the second tape Tc is wound, the identification information recording information of each of components (e) stored in cavities (Ct) in each of the first tape (Tc) and the second tape (Tc); a communication device (40) configured to communicate with the reading device (30) and a component mounter (M) or a host computer (HC) connected to the component mounter (M) such that communication is possible; and a control device (100) configured to control the tape connecting mechanism (W) and the communication device (40).