Synchronous Winding Feeder for Precision Conveyance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional feeders face challenges in achieving high precision, long-distance conveyance, cost-effectiveness, space-saving design, and maintaining cleanliness, particularly in environments requiring ultra-high cleanness, such as semiconductor manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A feeder system comprising forward and reverse winders with synchronized winding and rewinding mechanisms, non-contact guide means, and dust management features, including scale feedback and disconnection detection for precise control and cleanliness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If a belt conveyor is used for long distance conveyance, then the conveyance distance is increased, but the positioning precision deteriorates and the feeding velocity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveyance distanceVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyance system is segmented into multiple sections with independent drive units. Each section can be controlled separately to maintain positioning precision while achieving long overall conveyance distance through modular expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical belt conveyance with a magnetic levitation system that uses magnetic fields for contactless propulsion and positioning. This substitution eliminates mechanical friction and wear, enabling both long distance and high precision positioning simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If a screw type feeder with polish ball screw is used, then the positioning precision is improved, but the apparatus cost increases and the conveyance distance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidapparatus cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical screw and ball screw system with a magnetic levitation drive system. This eliminates complex mechanical transmission components, reducing apparatus cost while maintaining high positioning precision through magnetic field control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the expensive polish ball screw component from the system, replacing it with a more cost-effective magnetic drive system that achieves the same positioning function without the mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If a timing belt feeder with highly precious parts is used, then the positioning precision is improved, but the apparatus cost increases and the conveyance distance is still limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidapparatus cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the timing belt system with precision teeth and rollers with a magnetic levitation system. This eliminates the need for expensive precision-machined timing belts and rollers, reducing cost while maintaining positioning accuracy through magnetic field control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If conventional feeders with friction-based drive systems are used, then the drive mechanism is simple, but fine dust is generated which contaminates the environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive mechanism simplicityVSAvoidfine dust generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces friction-based mechanical drive systems with a magnetic levitation system that propels the reciprocating body through magnetic fields without physical contact. This eliminates dust-generating friction between moving parts while maintaining simple drive mechanism operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of friction (dust generation) into a benefit by using magnetic fields for contactless drive. The same electromagnetic forces that could cause arcing or heating in traditional systems are used here to create a clean, dust-free operating environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS7746010B2Feeder

Publication Date: 2010.06.29 SK MACHINERY CO LTD

AI summary

A feeder to be able to meet the requirements of positioning accuracy, long distance conveyance, remote conveyance, controllability, high precision feeding, high speed feeding, inexpensiveness, simplicity of construction, space saving, weight reduction, measure for dusting and safety for accident for being provided for multiple utilizations. This feeder comprises a forward winder (21), a reverse winder (31), a forwardly winding liner body (51), a reversely winding liner body (61) and a reciprocating body (71). The forwardly winding linear body and the reversely winding linear body are connected to the reciprocating body. The forward winder on winding rotation and the reverse winder on rewinding rotation rotate in synchronism and phase with each other in the same or reverse direction. The amount of winding the forwardly winding linear body by the forward winder and the amount of rewinding the reversely winding linear body by the reverse winder are equal to each other. The amount of rewinding the forwardly winding linear body by the forward winder and the amount of winding the reversely winding linear body by the reverse winder are equal to each other.