Tape Guide Hook for Reel Flange Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional component feeders and tape reels are bulky and space-consuming due to the need for a large reel holder, making them expensive and difficult to handle outside of a component mounting machine.
Innovation Solution
A tape guide with a hook portion at the downstream end that grips a flange of the tape reel, allowing for secure attachment and easier handling of the tape reel and tape guide when removed from the component mounting machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large reel holder is used to accommodate the largest possible reels, then the feeder can hold all reel sizes, but the whole feeder and holder mechanism becomes huge and space consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The reel holder is divided into a stationary support structure and a movable holder portion that can be adjusted in size. The holder portion can be extended or retracted to accommodate different reel diameters, allowing the same feeder to hold various reel sizes without requiring a large fixed holder structure for all possible reel types.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder mechanism transitions from a static, fixed-size structure to a dynamic, adjustable structure. The holder portion can move between extended and retracted positions, adapting its size to match the actual reel being used, thereby reducing the overall mechanism size when smaller reels are employed while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large reel holder mechanism is used, then all reel sizes can be accommodated, but the feeder becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the holder into stationary and movable parts, the complex large-scale structure is replaced with simpler, smaller components. This reduces manufacturing complexity and material requirements, thereby lowering production costs while preserving the ability to accommodate various reel sizes through the adjustable holder portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable holder portion uses simpler, less expensive materials and mechanisms compared to a robust fixed large holder. This allows the feeder to achieve versatility at a lower manufacturing cost, making the system more economically viable despite the added adjustment mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large reel holder mechanism is used, then all reel sizes can be accommodated, but the feeder is difficult to handle outside the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustable holder allows the feeder to be compact when not in use, making it easier to transport and handle outside the mounting machine. When needed, the holder can be quickly extended to accommodate the reel, combining ease of handling with adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the holder into movable and stationary parts, the feeder becomes more modular and easier to manipulate. The compact configuration when retracted simplifies handling during loading and unloading operations, while the extension capability maintains versatility for different reel sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a tape guide for guiding a component tape from a tape reel to a picking position of a component mounting machine. The tape guide comprises a support structure arranged for guiding the component tape from an upstream end portion of the tape guide to a downstream end portion of the tape guide. The tape guide further comprised a hook portion arranged at the downstream end portion and configured to grip a flange of said tape reel when the tape guide and tape reel are removed from said component mounting machine. The present invention further provides a unit comprising a tape guide, a tape reel and component tape as well as component mounting machine.