Tape Feeder Holding Device with Automated Sliding Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic component mounters require manual and often rough handling of tape feeders, which can damage connectors and result in improper attachment, especially when operators are weak, leading to incomplete or inaccurate positioning for component supply.

Innovation Solution

A tape feeder holding device equipped with a sliding mechanism, actuator, and position regulating system that automatically positions the tape feeder to ensure secure attachment and correct alignment for component supply, preventing damage and ensuring reliable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual sliding method is used to attach tape feeder, then operator can perform attachment operation, but attachment precision deteriorates and connector damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual attachment operationVSAvoidattachment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical sliding operation with an automated sliding device that uses a motor to drive the tape feeder onto the holding device. This substitution eliminates human error and rough handling while maintaining operational capability, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and attachment precision.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding device automatically performs the attachment operation without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the sliding process through motor control, ensuring precise and gentle attachment while reducing the need for operator skill and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If weak operator performs manual attachment, then attachment operation can be completed, but sliding distance becomes insufficient and positioning accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment operation completionVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical sliding with an automated motor-driven sliding device that can consistently achieve the required sliding distance and positioning accuracy regardless of operator strength. The motor provides controlled force and precise positioning that eliminates the variability introduced by human operators.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters from manual force application to motor-controlled force application. The motor can precisely control the sliding distance and stopping position, ensuring that the tape feeder is always positioned correctly on the holding device without relying on operator capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If rough manual handling is used, then attachment operation is quick, but connector damage occurs and reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment speedVSAvoidconnector integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rough manual handling with a motor-driven sliding device that can move the tape feeder quickly yet gently. The motor control system ensures that the attachment operation is both fast and precise, preventing connector damage while maintaining high productivity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding device uses dynamic motor control to adjust the sliding speed and force during the attachment process. The system can accelerate quickly for efficiency but decelerate gently near the target position to prevent damage, optimizing both productivity and reliability through dynamic adjustment of operational parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3193574B1Tape feeder holding device
Publication Date: 2021.03.24 FUJI CORP
  • EP3193574B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3193574B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3193574B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Tape feeder holding device 100 includes slide section 102 on which a tape feeder 70 can be slid, the tape feeder supplying electronic components by feeding tape housing the electronic components in a tape feeding direction; and sliding device 130 configured to slide the tape feeder held in the slide section in the tape feeding direction, the sliding device being capable of sliding the tape feeder to a supply position at which the electronic components can be supplied from the tape feeder. That is, with the tape feeder holding device, a tape feeder is automatically attached to the tape feeder holding device. By this, for example, damage to the connector and the like due to an operator roughly attaching the tape feeder to the tape feeder holding device is prevented. Also, for example, even a weak operator is able to attach the tape feeder to the tape feeder holding device reliably.