Tape Feeder Claw Mechanism for Accurate Feeding in Narrow Spaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

In tape feeders, efficiently feeding taped components to a supply position is challenging due to the need for manual insertion into a narrow region, which can lead to damage and low efficiency, especially when multiple feeders are mounted closely together.

Innovation Solution

A tape feeder system with a claw member that linearly moves and engages with engagement holes on the taped components, allowing for precise feeding and reducing the risk of damage by sliding the claw member forward to guide the components into the feeder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual insertion method is used to feed taped components into the tape feeder, then the feeding process can be performed, but the efficiency is reduced and the risk of component bending and damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeeding efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent bending and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical insertion method with an automated feeding mechanism. The automated system uses a feeding mechanism that automatically engages with the taped component's engagement hole and transports it into the tape feeder, eliminating the need for manual insertion. This substitution of manual operation with an automated mechanical system resolves the contradiction by improving feeding efficiency while preventing component damage through controlled, damage-free engagement and transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual insertion is used in narrow regions, then the feeding can be performed, but the accuracy of component placement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeeding operationVSAvoidcomponent placement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual insertion operations with an automated feeding mechanism that precisely controls the engagement and transport of taped components. The automated system ensures accurate positioning by engaging with the engagement hole at the correct location and transporting the component along a predetermined path into the tape feeder, eliminating the imprecision inherent in manual operations within narrow spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary feeding mechanism that acts as a mediator between the taped component and the tape feeder. This feeding mechanism includes engagement structures that interface with the component's engagement hole and guide the component into the feeder, ensuring precise placement without requiring direct manual manipulation in the narrow region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11985767B2Tape feeder

Publication Date: 2024.05.14 FUJI CORP

AI summary

There is provided a tape feeder for feeding a taped component, in which multiple electric components are taped to a tape having engagement holes formed at equal pitches, to a supply position by engaging feeding claws with the engagement holes, including: a claw member that linearly moves in a state of being engaged with the engagement hole and feeds the taped component toward the feeding claw.