Tape Tip End Triangular Folding for Steady Feeding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing component feeding devices face challenges in ensuring steady component feeding due to issues with inserting an insertion member between the cover tape and carrier tape at the tip end of component storage tapes, caused by vibrations, shape, or material factors, leading to component exposure failures.

Innovation Solution

A processing method and device that involves lifting and folding the tip end of the cover tape to form triangular fold pieces, facilitating the insertion of the insertion member between the cover tape and carrier tape, and utilizing a jig with a plate-like shape and sloped portions to guide the folding process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the tip end of the component storage tape is processed by separating or folding methods, then the insertion member can be inserted between the cover tape and carrier tape, but the insertion may fail due to vibrations, shape, or material factors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion of insertion memberVSAvoidcomponent feeding performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tip end of the cover tape is folded upward in advance before the insertion member is inserted. This preliminary folding action creates a triangular fold piece that opens the component storage portion, ensuring the insertion member can be reliably inserted without encountering resistance from the curled tape, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of insertion and feeding reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cover tape is divided into sections by forming a triangular fold piece at the tip end. This segmentation creates an opened component storage portion that allows the insertion member to access the component, while the rest of the tape remains intact for continuous feeding, thus improving both insertion ease and feeding reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the tip end of the cover tape is folded upward, then the component storage portion is opened, but the folded tape may still interfere with insertion due to vibrations or material properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopening of component storage portionVSAvoidaccuracy of insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The folding action is performed in advance to create a stable triangular fold piece before insertion. This preliminary formation ensures the component storage portion is properly opened and maintains its shape during insertion, preventing interference from vibrations or material flexibility, thereby improving both opening effectiveness and insertion accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11388850B2Processing method for tip end of tape

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A processing method for a tip end of a tape is a method of processing a tip end of a component storage tape before attaching the component storage tape to a component feeding device. The processing method for a tip end of a tape includes a lifting step and a folding step. At the lifting step, a lifting process of lifting the tip end of the cover tape off the carrier tape is carried out such that a part of a tip edge of the cover tape is separated from the carrier tape. At the folding step, the lifted tip end of the cover tape is folded along a fold to form a triangular fold piece.