Tape Feeder Guide Shutter One-Touch Linkage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tape feeders for chip mounters require inconvenient manual handling to replace component reels, as operators must use both hands to unlock and lift the tape guide, and the guide is not stably fixed in the open position, leading to potential misalignment and disruption of component supply.
Innovation Solution
A tape feeder with a guide shutter featuring a one-touch type three-linkage structure, including a first link, second link, and middle link, supported by a spring, allowing for easy switching between closed and open positions, ensuring stable operation and easy reel replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lock mechanism and tape guide structure are used to secure the tape guide in the closed position, then the reliability of tape guidance is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because operators must use both hands to unlock and lift the tape guide
Solution Approach 1:
The tape guide assembly is segmented into a tape guide body and a separate cover portion that can be independently removed. This segmentation allows the cover to be easily detached with one hand while the main body remains securely locked, resolving the contradiction between secure locking and easy operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover portion is extracted as a separate removable component from the main tape guide body. This extraction enables operators to quickly remove just the cover for reel replacement without needing to unlock or move the entire taped guide assembly, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the tape guide is made movable to allow reel replacement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the guide may be accidentally lifted or misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tape guide into a stationary main body and a removable cover, the design allows easy access for reel replacement while the main body remains fixed and reliable, preventing accidental lifting or misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover portion acts as an intermediary element that provides easy access to the reel area without compromising the stability of the main tape guide body. Operators interact with the cover for replacement operations, while the main body maintains reliable tape guidance.
3Reliability
If a complex lock mechanism is used to secure the tape guide, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex lock mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simple removable cover design. The cover can be easily detached without any locking mechanism, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability through the segmented structure that prevents accidental displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover portion is designed as a simple, lightweight component that can be quickly removed and replaced, eliminating the need for complex locking mechanisms. This simple component provides sufficient functionality for maintaining reliability during reel replacement operations.
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 single-handed operation for replacing component reels and maintains stable guide positioning, ensuring reliable component supply by preventing accidental lifting and ensuring secure locking, thus enhancing operational convenience and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first link (171) including a guide unit (172) guiding the tape (80) and a first end rotatably connected to the frame (110) so as to be rotated between a closed position in which the guide unit (172) couples with the frame (110) to guide the tape (80) and an open position in which the guide unit (172) is placed away from the frame (110)
Data Source
AI summary
A tape feeder for a chip mounter is provided. The tape feeder includes a frame, a first link, a second link, and a middle link. A tape is fed along the frame. The first link includes a guide unit guiding the tape and a first end rotatably connected to the frame. The first link is capable of being rotated between a closed position in which the guide unit couples with the frame to guide the tape and an open position in which the guide unit is placed away from the frame. The second link is rotatably connected to the frame and includes a first end supported relative to the frame. The middle link includes a first end rotatably connected to a second end of the first link and a second end rotatably connected to a second end of the second link.