Unpowered Needle Lid Opening Device for Automated Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated lid opening equipment in semiconductor and electronic factories requires frequent tool changes to accommodate different lid patterns, leading to inefficiencies and safety risks due to manual operation and limited versatility.
Innovation Solution
A lid opening component and device with unpowered needles that shape to match lid patterns, combined with a suction system, which uses a positioning assembly to identify and open lids automatically, eliminating the need for manual intervention and tool changes, and enhancing safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated lid opening equipment uses fixed lid opening tools, then operator safety is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates due to frequent tool changes for different lid patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The lid opening tool is designed with movable needles that can dynamically adjust their arrangement to match different lid patterns. The needles are positioned on a movable platform that can be reconfigured without changing the entire tool, allowing the system to adapt to various lid types while maintaining automated operation and operator safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid opening tool is designed with a universal structure that can handle multiple lid patterns through a single tool design. The movable needle arrangement allows one tool to perform multiple functions by adapting its configuration, eliminating the need for separate tools for different lid types and improving operational efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If manual lid opening is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but safety risks increase due to operator exposure to chemicals
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical lid opening process is replaced with an automated mechanical system that uses controlled needle movement to open lids. The automated system eliminates direct operator contact with hazardous chemicals while maintaining the ability to handle various lid types through programmable positioning of the needle assembly.
3Manufacturing precision
If lid opening tools are designed for specific patterns, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple specialized tools required
Solution Approach 1:
A single lid opening tool is designed with a universal platform that can accommodate multiple needle configurations. The tool uses a standardized base structure with movable needle assemblies that can be repositioned to match different lid patterns, providing precise opening for various lid types without requiring multiple specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid opening tool is segmented into modular components, with the needle assembly separable from the base platform. This segmentation allows the needle configuration to be changed independently while maintaining the same base tool structure, reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple complete tool sets.
Data Source
AI summary
A lid opening component, a lid opening device, and a suction system are disclosed. The suction system includes the lid opening device and a suction assembly, wherein the lid opening device includes a positioning assembly and a lid opening assembly having the lid opening components, and the lid opening component includes a needle holder, a plurality of unpowered needles, and a drive part. The suction system identifies the locations of a container and its lids through the positioning assembly of the lid opening device, opens the container's lids by fitting the unpowered needles of the lid opening components in with the surfaces of the container's lids and rotating the lid opening components of the lid opening assembly, and by moving the suction assembly to the openings of the container, draws out the content in the container through the suction assembly.