Tin Cylinder Position Sensing With Bypass Trigger Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inaccurate motion distance detection of the tin cylinder in wave soldering leads to poor welding quality between a PCB board and components due to deviations in the distance of the tin cylinder from the PCB board, affecting the positioning of the liquid metal tin peaks.

Innovation Solution

A position detection apparatus with a movable abutting member, trigger member, and induction member that bypasses a fixed distance sensor, ensuring parallel alignment of sensing and induction planes for precise distance measurement, using a spring for resetting and a guide slot and rail for movement, with a fixed distance sensor to prevent interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the distance sensor is fixedly connected to the bottom plate, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: a fixed bottom plate with mounted distance sensor, and a separate movable trigger member with induction member. This segmentation allows the sensing system to remain stationary for accurate measurement while the trigger mechanism moves independently to interact with the tin cylinder.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The induction member acts as an intermediary between the movable trigger member and the fixed distance sensor. It transfers the mechanical movement of the trigger to an optical detection signal that the distance sensor can measure accurately, bridging the gap between mechanical motion and precise measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the trigger member bypasses the distance sensor, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger member is designed to move in a path that bypasses the distance sensor by utilizing a different spatial dimension. The trigger member moves horizontally or laterally around the sensor's position rather than directly over it, allowing the induction member to pass through the sensor's field of view without physical interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If the sensing plane is arranged in parallel with the induction plane, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing plane of the distance sensor is arranged in parallel with the induction plane of the trigger member, creating an equipotential geometric relationship. This parallel arrangement ensures that the optical measurement path remains consistent regardless of the vertical position of the trigger member, eliminating angular measurement errors and maintaining detection accuracy throughout the full range of motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

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

Enhances detection accuracy of the tin cylinder's movement relative to the distance sensor, improving the control of liquid metal tin distance from the PCB board and enhancing weld quality.

Implementation Method 1

the distance sensor is capable of detecting a movement distance of the induction member when the abutting member drives the induction member to move

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection:

Implementation Method 2

the reset member is a spring, a lower end of the spring is connected to the bottom plate, and an upper end of the spring is connected to the trigger member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring elasticity: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4537047B1Position detection device
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP4537047B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4537047B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4537047B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The present application provides a position detection apparatus, comprising a bottom plate, an abutting member, a trigger member, a trigger member, and a distance sensor. The abutting member is movably disposed on the bottom plate. The trigger member is connected to the abutting member. The induction member is disposed on the trigger member. The distance sensor is disposed on the bottom plate. The induction member and the distance sensor are disposed such that: the distance sensor is capable of detecting a movement distance of the induction member when the abutting member drives the induction member to move, and wherein the trigger member bypasses the distance sensor. The position detection apparatus of the present application has a higher detection accuracy of relative movement of the induction member to the distance sensor.