Splicing Apparatus Tape Detection and Pitch Calculation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing splicing devices face challenges in accurately determining and cutting the pitches of component storage sections in embossed and paper tapes due to variations in material and transparency, leading to inaccurate detection and splicing.

Innovation Solution

A splicing device equipped with first and second detection sections to differentiate between embossed and paper tapes based on protrusion from a conveyance reference surface, using a regressive reflection type laser sensor for embossed tapes and a photosensor for paper tapes to calculate pitch accurately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple light sensor is used to detect the component storage section, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to variations in material and transparency of embossed tapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection device complexityVSAvoidcomponent storage section detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter from simple light presence/absence to phase difference measurement of reflected light. By using a regressive reflection type laser sensor that measures the phase difference between transmitted and reflected light waves, the system can accurately detect the component storage section regardless of material or transparency variations in embossed tapes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If different detection methods are used for embossed and paper tapes, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple detection sections and calculation methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepitch calculation precisionVSAvoiddetection and calculation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal detection system where the regressive reflection type laser sensor can detect both embossed tapes and paper tapes using the same hardware. The control section automatically selects appropriate pitch calculation methods based on the detected tape type, making the detection device multi-functional without requiring separate physical detection systems for each tape type.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adaptation in the pitch calculation process. The control section dynamically selects between different pitch calculation methods (first pitch calculation method for embossed tapes, second pitch calculation method for paper tapes) based on the tape type detected by the discrimination section. This dynamic selection optimizes measurement precision for each tape type while using a single unified detection device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the pitch of the component storage section is not accurately calculated, then the splicing operation becomes simpler, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates leading to incorrect splicing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplicing operation simplicityVSAvoidcutting position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control in the pitch calculation process. The control section continuously monitors the detection signals from the laser sensor, automatically determines the tape type through discrimination, selects the appropriate pitch calculation method, and uses the calculated pitch to precisely control the cutting position. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate splicing while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 precise calculation and cutting of embossed and paper tapes according to their respective pitches, preventing incorrect splicing and ensuring accurate component supply in component mounting machines.

Implementation Method 1

a regressive reflection type laser sensor which receives the reflected light and outputs a signal according to a phase difference between the transmitted light and the reflected light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase difference measurement:

Implementation Method 2

a photosensor for detecting the component storage section of the paper tape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3291663B1Splicing apparatus and tape detection method used in same
Publication Date: 2021.03.24 FUJI CORP
  • EP3291663B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3291663B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3291663B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A splicing device (10) includes: a first detection section (53a, 53b) which detects whether or not the component storage section (100a) protrudes downward from the conveyance reference surface (60a1); a second detection section (54a, 54b) which detects the component storage section (100a) of the paper tape (100Y); a discrimination section (step S106) which determines whether a tape inserted into the splicing device (10) is the embossed tape (100X) or the paper tape (100Y) based on a detection signal of the first detection section (53a, 53b) ; a first calculating section (step S110) which calculates a pitch of the component storage section (100a) of the embossed tape (100X) by using the first detection section (53a, 53b) in a case where the embossed tape (100X) is determined; and a second calculating section (step S114) which calculates a pitch of the component storage section (100a) of the paper tape (100Y) by using the second detection section (54a, 54b) in a case where the paper tape (100Y) is determined.