Tape Feeder Automatic ID Verification via RFID

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tape feeders require manual management of tape supplier and feeder main body identification information, leading to potential errors in attachment and ID entry, and lack automated management solutions.

Innovation Solution

The tape feeder is equipped with a supplier identification information memorizing means and an identification information reading and memorizing means on the feeder main body to automatically read and manage the supplier ID, eliminating the need for additional sensors and simplifying the attachment process, while also managing feeder main body and sprocket moving unit IDs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual management of identification information is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to potential errors in attachment and ID entry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic ID recognition and attachment verification without requiring manual intervention. The reader automatically reads the ID tag when the tape supplier is attached, and the control unit automatically verifies whether the read ID matches the expected ID, eliminating manual ID entry and verification processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of ID entry and verification is replaced by an automated electronic system using an ID tag reader and control unit. The reader detects the ID tag signal automatically, and the control unit processes the verification logic, substituting manual operations with electronic automation.

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

2Reliability

If additional sensors are added for attachment verification, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment verification accuracyVSAvoidsensor quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ID tag reader serves multiple functions: it reads the ID tag information for identification purposes and simultaneously verifies attachment status by detecting the presence or absence of the ID tag signal. This eliminates the need for separate sensors dedicated solely to attachment verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment verification function is merged with the ID reading function. The same reader that reads the ID tag also detects whether the tape supplier is properly attached by checking for the presence of the ID tag signal, combining two functions into one component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If automated ID management is implemented, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetape supplier changeover speedVSAvoidautomation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs ID recognition, verification, and error detection without requiring operator intervention. The control unit automatically compares the read ID with the expected ID and detects mismatches, eliminating manual ID checking processes and accelerating tape supplier changeover.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2775811B1Tape feeder
Publication Date: 2017.05.10 FUJI CORP
  • EP2775811B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2775811B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2775811B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Equip a tape supplier with RF tag 81 with the supplier ID memorized; and equip a feeder main body with reader 82 for reading the supplier ID from RF tag 81 of the tape supplier attached to the feeder main body. Use the signal for the supplier ID read by reader 82 of the feeder main body reading the supplier ID from RF tag 81 of the tape supplier as the confirmation signal for the attachment of the tape supplier as well. Memorize the feeder main body ID in memory 86 of the feeder main body and send the feeder main body ID read from memory 86 and the supplier ID read by reader 82 to the electronic component mounter on which the feeder main body is attached.