Tape Solder Reel Holder Layout for Easy Unit Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing solder supply systems, replacing the tape-like solder material and reel holder is cumbersome, especially when multiple solder supply units are arranged in a width direction, as it requires significant movement and spacing to accommodate the reel holder's axial movement.

Innovation Solution

The solder supply unit is designed with a base member, a reel holder, a support member, and a guidance member, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of the reel and the entire supply unit, facilitating efficient replacement and integration with other device components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the reel holder and cutting device are integrated in one casing, then the device structure is compact, but the solder supply unit cannot be easily replaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidreplacement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: the solder supply unit (reel holder with reel) is separated from the cutting device. The reel holder is mounted on a movable reel holder table that can be independently extracted and replaced, allowing the solder supply unit to be changed without affecting the cutting device or requiring disassembly of the integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple solder supply units are arranged in width direction, then the system can handle various solder piece sizes, but significant movement allowance is required for reel holder replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesolder piece size adaptabilityVSAvoidmovement allowance space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The reel holder table is designed to move in the width direction (lateral movement) rather than requiring axial movement of the reel holder itself. This dimensional change in the movement mechanism allows compact arrangement of multiple solder supply units while maintaining the ability to replace reels by laterally shifting the reel holder table to accessible positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the reel holder is fixed in position, then the device structure is stable, but the reel cannot be easily detached and replaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structure stabilityVSAvoidreel replacement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The reel holder is mounted on a movable reel holder table that can be laterally shifted along the width direction. This dynamic positioning capability allows the reel holder to remain stable during solder material feeding while enabling easy access for reel detachment and replacement by moving the table to a maintenance position where the reel can be freely accessed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4101572B1Solder supply unit, solder piece manufacturing device, component mounting device, and production system

Publication Date: 2025.06.11 HIRATA CORPORATION

Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(C)
Figure 3(A)~3(D)

AI summary

A solder supply unit (2) comprises a base member (22), a reel holder (23) that is provided on the base member (22) and rotatably holds a reel for a tape-like solder material, a support member (24) provided on the base member (22), and a guide member (25) that is provided to the support member (24) and that guides at least the lower surface of the tape-like solder material when the tape-like solder material wound onto the reel is paid out.