Tape Feeder Claw Member Linear Engagement

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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 narrow spaces, which can lead to bending and damage, reducing efficiency and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A tape feeder system with a claw member that linearly moves to engage with engagement holes on the taped components, allowing for precise feeding and reducing the risk of damage by sliding forward to align with the feeding claw, thereby improving the efficiency of component placement in a compact setup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If manual insertion is used to feed taped components into narrow spaces, then the tape feeder can be compact, but the efficiency and accuracy of feeding deteriorate due to bending and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of tape feederVSAvoidfeeding efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical insertion with an automated feeding mechanism. The feeding claw, driven by a drive source, automatically engages with the engagement hole and feeds the taped component to the supply position, eliminating the need for manual insertion while maintaining compact dimensions.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The feeding mechanism is designed to perform the feeding operation autonomously. The feeding claw automatically engages with the engagement hole, and the drive source propels the taped component forward without requiring external manual intervention, enabling the system to feed components itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If manual insertion is used to feed taped components, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to component bending and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplexity of feeding mechanismVSAvoidfeeding accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces imprecise manual insertion with a controlled mechanical feeding system. The feeding claw, with its specific engagement structure, precisely engages the engagement hole, and the drive source provides controlled motion to accurately position the taped component at the supply position without bending or damage.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The feeding claw acts as an intermediary between the taped component and the drive source. It provides a precise engagement interface with the engagement hole, translating the drive source's motion into accurate positioning of the taped component, thereby ensuring feeding precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If automated feeding is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeeding efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of feeding mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated feeding by replacing manual insertion with a feeding claw and drive source. This substitution improves productivity by enabling continuous, rapid feeding operations while keeping the mechanism relatively simple through direct engagement and propulsion.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The automated feeding system operates autonomously with the feeding claw and drive source working together to feed components without external intervention. This self-service capability improves productivity while avoiding the need for complex external control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3780927B1Tape feeder
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 FUJI CORP
  • EP3780927B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3780927B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3780927B1 patent drawingFigure 3

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.