Pressure-Activated Tape Feeder Door for Component Mounters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tape feeders for component mounters face challenges in securely discharging cover tapes, leading to potential errors and component loss due to inadequate pressure management and door operation mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The tape feeder incorporates a receptacle with a pressure-sensitive door mechanism that automatically opens when the internal pressure from the cover tape exceeds a predetermined force, ensuring reliable discharge and reducing errors by allowing for directional pressure adaptation and door configuration adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a manual door operation mechanism is used, then the door can be opened and closed, but the discharge reliability is insufficient and errors occur due to inadequate pressure management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge reliabilityVSAvoiddoor operation mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The door operation mechanism operates automatically based on internal pressure changes without requiring external control. The spring member and latch member work together to detect pressure buildup from the cover tape and automatically trigger door opening, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex control systems while ensuring reliable discharge

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with a pressure-based automatic mechanism. Instead of using motors, sensors, or electronic controls, the system uses the physical pressure from the cover tape itself to drive the door opening through the spring member and latch member, simplifying the overall system while improving reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the receptacle is sealed to contain cover tape, then component loss is prevented, but pressure buildup cannot be released causing discharge errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent containmentVSAvoidpressure buildup

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the internal pressure from the cover tape as feedback to automatically trigger door opening. The pressure buildup, rather than being purely harmful, becomes the signal that activates the discharge mechanism through the spring member and latch member, creating a self-regulating system that maintains containment until discharge is needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of pressure buildup into a beneficial trigger for automatic discharge. The pressure that would normally cause errors is instead used to activate the door opening mechanism, transforming a problem into a solution that ensures both containment and reliable discharge

Inventive Principle:

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

3Manufacturing precision

If the door opens automatically with pressure, then discharge accuracy is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedischarge accuracyVSAvoidpressure-sensitive mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring member acts as an intermediary between the pressure from the cover tape and the door opening action. It translates the pressure into mechanical motion that actuates the latch member, providing a simple and reliable connection between the pressure source and the door mechanism without requiring complex transmission systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution enhances the reliability of component supply by ensuring accurate and error-free discharge of cover tapes, improving the operational efficiency of the tape feeder and reducing component loss during the mounting process.

Implementation Method 1

a door which is configured to open when the is received cover tape applies an inner pressure at a predetermined value or higher

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS8291580B2Tape feeder for component mounter having a pressure-activated discharge door opening

Publication Date: 2012.10.23 HANWHA PRECISION MACHINERY CO LTD

AI summary

A tape feeder for supplying components to a component mounter via a carrier tape on which the components are disposed at predetermined intervals, wherein the carrier tape and components are covered with a cover tape, is described. The tape feeder may comprise a frame including a receptacle. The receptacle may have an inlet port for receiving the cover tape separated from the carrier tape, a space for containing the cover tape received through the inlet port, and a door opening through which the cover tape is discharged. The tape feeder may additionally comprise a door configured to open or close the door opening and an opening/closing member configured to fasten the door closed and thereafter open the door when an inner pressure of at least a predetermined value is applied by the cover tape received in the receptacle.