DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patent Rules 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(refer section 10 & rule 13)

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
FEEDER MECHANISM FOR PARTING A COVER TAPE FROM A CARRIER TAPE OF SURFACE MOUNT DEVICES

2. APPLICANT(S):

(a) Name:

(b) Nationality:

(c) Address:

Zoid Labs (India) Private Limited

Indian

8/111, Millumpadi, Thengodu PO, Kakkanadu, Eranakulam, Kerala- 682030.

3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION

The following specification particularly describes the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed

4. DESCRIPTION
(See next page)

FEEDER MECHANISM FOR PARTING A COVER TAPE FROM A CARRIER TAPE OF SURFACE MOUNT DEVICES
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to component feeding mechanisms and more particularly relates to, a feed mechanism configured for parting a tape cover from a carrier tape of surface mount devices.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Tape and reel packaging system is generally employed in the electronics industry for packaging and shipping surface mount devices, such as but not limited to capacitors, resistors and the like, for automated circuit board assembly. The tape and reel system includes a carrier tape configured with pockets for holding the surface mount devices. A tape cover is attached to the carrier tape via suitable adhesives to seal the pockets, thereby retaining the surface mount devices.
[0003] Typically, the tape cover on the carrier tape is manually parted by a technician, and the parted carrier tape is loaded into the automated circuit assembly machine. The automated circuit assembly machine includes a pick and place device, which is configured to pick-up the surface mount devices suitably from the carrier tape. However, the manual parting of the tape cover from the carrier tape is laborious and thus undesirable.
[0004] To reduce the manual effort of technicians, specialized feeders or mechanisms are employed in the automated circuit assembly machine. These specialized feeders are configured with precision mounting and advancing/indexing mechanisms, which operate suitably to automatically part the tape cover from the carrier tape, upon receiving the carrier tape. Additionally, the feeder is associated with a tape winding mechanism, which is configured to operate synchronously with the feeder for winding the tape cover parted from the carrier tape. The tape winding mechanism also facilitates disposal of the tape cover parted from the carrier tape. As such, the feeders for automatically parting the tape cover from the carrier tape are configured with complex and interlinked mechanisms for advancing the carrier tape, removing the tape cover and disposal of the tape cover. This inherently, makes the device cumbersome, expensive and may require periodic maintenance which is undesirable.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for techniques which can overcome one or more limitations stated above, in addition to providing other technical advantages.
SUMMARY
[0006] This summary is provided only for the purposes of introducing the concepts presented in a simplified form. This is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed invention or limit the scope of the invention in any manner.
[0007] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide apparatus for parting a tape cover from a carrier tape assembly. The apparatus includes a frame member configured with an inlet port and an outlet port. The apparatus further includes a ratchet and pawl mechanism mounted to the frame member and positioned proximal to the inlet port. A saddle is mounted on the frame member and configured to support the carrier tape assembly guided from the inlet port to the outlet port. A winding mechanism is mounted to the frame member. The winding mechanism is configured to wind the tape cover parted from the carrier tape assembly. The apparatus further includes a push plate slidably mounted on the frame member and positioned above the saddle, the push plate including a first end configured with a slot for receiving an indexer pin of a pick and place device. The pick and place device induces an indexing motion to the push plate which facilitates a forward stroke and a reverse stroke of a pre-defined stroke length to the push plate. The push plate is configured to move towards the outlet port in the forward stroke, which selectively operates the ratchet and pawl mechanism, and the winding mechanism for intermittently advancing the carrier tape assembly from the inlet port to the outlet port. The push plate is configured to move towards the inlet port in the reverse stroke, which selectively operates the ratchet and pawl mechanism, and the winding mechanism for enabling parting of the tape cover from the carrier tape assembly due to tension force exerted by the winding mechanism on the carrier tape assembly. Further, the length of advancing the carrier tape assembly and length of the tape cover parted from the carrier tape assembly and wounded, correspond to length traversed by the push plate between the forward stroke and the reverse stroke.
[0008] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for parting a tape cover from a carrier tape assembly of surface mount devices. The method includes engaging, an indexer pin of a pick and place device onto a slot of a push plate for enabling connection between the push plate and the pick and place device. The method includes operating, the push plate to a forward stroke via the indexer pin of the pick and place device for intermittently advancing the carrier tape assembly from an inlet port to an outlet port. The carrier tape assembly is advanced by a distance equal to stroke length of the forward stroke. The method further includes operating, the push plate to a reverse stroke via the indexer pin of the pick and place device, for enabling parting of the tape cover from the carrier tape assembly. The tape cover is parted from the carrier tape assembly by a distance equal to stroke length of the reverse stroke. The method further includes winding the tape cover parted from the carrier tape assembly, onto an outer circumferential surface of the winding wheel due to rotation of the winding wheel in direction of movement of the push plate in the reverse stroke. Further, the method includes disengaging, the indexer pin of the pick and place device from the slot of the push plate upon parting a portion of the tape cover from the carrier tape assembly. The method further includes accessing, the surface mount devices contained in recessed pockets of carrier tape by the pick and place device.
[0009] In yet another embodiment, an apparatus for parting a tape cover from a carrier tape assembly of surface mount devices is provided. The apparatus includes a frame member configured with an inlet port and an outlet port. The apparatus further includes a ratchet and pawl mechanism mounted to the frame member and positioned proximal to the inlet port. The ratchet and pawl mechanism includes a ratchet wheel rotatably mounted on the frame member and positioned proximal to the inlet port. A sprocket wheel is concentrically coupled to the ratchet wheel. A pawl member is pivotally mounted on the frame member and positioned proximal to the inlet port. The pawl member is configured to engage with one teeth of a plurality of teeth of the ratchet wheel. The apparatus includes a saddle mounted on the frame member and configured to support the carrier tape assembly guided from the inlet port to the outlet port. The apparatus further includes a winding mechanism mounted to the frame member. The winding mechanism is configured to wind the tape cover parted from the carrier tape assembly. The winding mechanism includes a winding wheel mounted to the frame member and positioned proximal to an aft end of the frame member. A gear wheel is concentrically coupled to the winding wheel via a damper member, such that a first end of the damper member is fixed to the winding wheel and a second end of the damper member is fixed within an aperture of an annular casing. A locking member is pivotally mounted to the frame member and configured to engage with one teeth of a plurality of teeth of the gear wheel. The apparatus includes a push plate slidably mounted on the frame member and positioned above the saddle, the push plate including a first end configured with a slot for receiving an indexer pin of a pick and place device. The pick and place device induces an indexing motion to the push plate which facilitates a forward stroke and a reverse stroke of a pre-defined stroke length to the push plate. The push plate is configured to move towards the outlet port in the forward stroke, which selectively operates the ratchet and pawl mechanism, and the winding mechanism for intermittently advancing the carrier tape assembly from the inlet port to the outlet port. Further, the push plate is configured to move towards the inlet port in the reverse stroke, which selectively operates the ratchet and pawl mechanism, and the winding mechanism for enabling parting of the tape cover from the carrier tape assembly due to tension force exerted by the winding mechanism on the carrier tape assembly. The length of advancing the carrier tape assembly and length of the tape cover parted from the carrier tape assembly and wounded on the winding wheel correspond to length traversed by the first end of the push plate between the forward stroke and the reverse stroke.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] For understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying figures in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a feeder mechanism for parting a tape cover from a carrier tape assembly of surface mount devices, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an internal front view of the feeder mechanism, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the feeder mechanism about axis A-A’ illustrating feeding of the carrier tape into the feeder mechanism, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a push plate of the feeder mechanism, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the feeder mechanism illustrating the engagement of the push plate with a ratchet and pawl mechanism, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a winding mechanism of the feeder mechanism for winding the tape cover, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 7 is an internal rear view of the feeder mechanism illustrating the ratchet and pawl mechanism, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the feeder mechanism illustrating the engagement of an indexer pin of a pick and place device with the push plate, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the feeder mechanism, with the push plate being operated by the indexer pin in a forward indexing stroke, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the feeder mechanism, with the push plate being operated by the indexer pin in a reverse indexing stroke, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the feeder mechanism illustrating disengagement of the indexer pin with the push plate, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the feeder mechanism illustrating accessing of the surface mount devices from the carrier tape assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0023] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram of method of parting the tape cover from the carrier tape assembly of the surface mount devices, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024] The figures referred to in this description depict embodiments of the disclosure for the purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the systems and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRIPTION
[0025] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a broad understanding of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, systems and methods are shown in block diagram form only in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.
[0026] Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.
[0027] Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and/or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, although many of the features of the present disclosure are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present disclosure is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the present disclosure.
OVERVIEW
[0028] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus (i.e., a feeder mechanism) configured for parting a tape cover from a carrier tape assembly of surface mount devices. The feeder mechanism upon parting the tape cover enables access to the surface mount devices contained in a carrier tape of the carrier tape assembly, for the fabrication of circuit board assemblies.
[0029] The feeder mechanism includes a frame member configured with an inlet port for receiving the carrier tape assembly and an outlet port for ejecting the carrier tape. A guideway is configured between the inlet port and the outlet port for guiding the carrier tape assembly therebetween. A ratchet and pawl mechanism is mounted to the frame member, which is configured to engage with the carrier tape assembly. The ratchet and pawl mechanism is adapted to allow uni-directional movement of the carrier tape assembly within the feeder mechanism, from the inlet port to the outlet port. The ratchet and pawl mechanism includes a ratchet wheel and a pawl member. The ratchet wheel is mounted on the frame member proximal to the inlet port and includes a plurality of teeth which may engage with slits provided on the carrier tape assembly. In one implementation, a sprocket wheel may be configured to the ratchet wheel for engagement with the slits on the carrier tape assembly. A pawl member is engaged to one of the teeth of the ratchet wheel such that, the ratchet wheel is permitted to rotate in only one direction i.e. either in a clockwise direction or an anti-clockwise direction. In one implementation, the ratchet wheel is engaged by the pawl member such that, the ratchet wheel rotates along the direction of the movement of the carrier tape assembly from the inlet port to the outlet port. This mechanism, therefore, ensures that the carrier tape assembly is conveyed only in one direction, i.e. from the inlet port to the outlet port while the reverse movement i.e. from the outlet port to the inlet port is constrained due to the pawl member locking the rotation of the ratchet wheel. A saddle is mounted on the frame member and positioned proximal to the outlet port, for supporting the carrier tape guided from the inlet port. The saddle acts as a support structure for the carrier tape assembly when a pick and place device is operated for pick-up of the surface mount devices.
[0030] The feeder mechanism includes a push plate mounted to the frame member and positioned above the saddle. The push plate is connectable to the pick and place device and configured to engage with the carrier tape assembly supported on the saddle. The pick and place device triggers or induces indexing motion to the push plate. The indexing motion includes a forward stroke and a reverse stroke of required stroke length. During the forward stroke, the push plate moves the carrier tape assembly towards the outlet port and during the reverse stroke, the push plate moves towards the inlet port. During the forward stroke of the push plate, the carrier tape assembly moves towards the outlet port while rotating the ratchet wheel, which enables the carrier tape assembly to advance in the feeder mechanism. During the reverse stroke of the push plate i.e. towards the inlet port, the carrier tape assembly maintains its position on the saddle due to the constraint imposed by the pawl member on the ratchet wheel. In this scenario, the energy stored in the winding mechanism is utilized for parting or peeling the tape cover from the carrier tape assembly.
[0031] The feeder mechanism further includes a winding mechanism mounted to the frame member and configured to engage with the tape cover. The winding mechanism is adapted to wind the tape cover parted from the carrier tape. The winding mechanism includes a winding wheel which engages with the tape cover. A gear wheel is concentrically coupled with the winding wheel so that the gear wheel also rotates upon rotation of the winding wheel. A locking member, similar to the pawl member, engages with the gear wheel for allowing uni-directional rotation. In other words, the locking member is configured to engage with the gear wheel for allowing rotation either in the clockwise direction or in the anti-clockwise direction. In one implementation, the locking member is configured to lock the rotation of the gear wheel in the direction at which the winding wheel rotates during the forward stroke of the push plate. A damper member is provided between the winding wheel and the gear wheel. The damper member is configured to store energy during relative rotation between the winding wheel and the gear wheel. The stored kinetic energy is transferred back to the winding wheel, for winding the tape cover.
[0032] In an operational embodiment, a technician initially inserts the carrier tape assembly into the feeder mechanism via the inlet port. The carrier tape assembly engages with the ratchet wheel via the slits on further advancement. The technician advances the carrier tape assembly further until the carrier tape assembly is sufficiently supported on the saddle. In this scenario, the technician parts the tape cover from the carrier tape assembly. The parted tape cover is attached to the winding wheel while looping the tape cover over the push plate. Upon completion of attachment of the tape cover, the technician winds the gear wheel to store the energy in the damper member. The pick and place device is then initiated for operating the push plate.
[0033] The pick and place device triggers indexing motion to the push plate, while also applying suitable pressure onto the carrier tape assembly. During the movement of the push plate in a forward direction, i.e. the forward stroke, the push plate moves the tape cover along with the carrier tape in the forward direction. In this scenario, the ratchet wheel also rotates in the anti-clockwise direction. Also, due to the forward stroke, the winding wheel attached to the tape cover rotates in the clockwise direction, while the gear wheel coupled to the winding wheel is restricted due to the configuration of the locking member. Due to the relative rotation between the winding wheel and the gear wheel, the damper member is activated for storing the kinetic energy.
[0034] The pick and place device now operates the push plate in a reverse direction, i.e. the reverse stroke. During the reverse stroke of the push plate, the movement of the carrier tape assembly is restricted by the ratchet wheel, due to the engagement of the slits. At this juncture, the energy expended by the push plate on the carrier tape assembly peels the tape cover from the carrier tape assembly. Further, the winding wheel is operated due to the energy stored by the damper member for winding the peeled tape cover. Upon peeling the tape cover, the indexer pin is disengaged from the push plate. Thereafter, the pick and place device accesses the surface mount devices contained on the carrier tape, for the fabrication of the circuit boards..
[0035] Various exemplary embodiments of the feeder mechanism for parting the tape cover from the carrier tape assembly are herein explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11.
[0036] FIG. 1 in one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus 100 (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “feeder mechanism 100”) for parting a tape cover 102a from a carrier tape assembly 102. The feeder mechanism 100 is configured to peel the tape cover 102a from the carrier tape assembly 102 by simple and economical means. The feeder mechanism 100 upon parting the tape cover 102a enables access to the surface mount devices (see, 806 of FIG. 12) contained in a carrier tape 102b of the carrier tape assembly 102, for the fabrication of circuit board assemblies. The feeder mechanism 100 includes a frame member 104, configured with an inlet port 104a for receiving the carrier tape assembly 102 and an outlet port 104b for ejecting the carrier tape 102b. The frame member 104 is configured to be a structure for supporting all other components in the feeder mechanism 100.
[0037] The feeder mechanism 100 is configured to connect with a pick and place device (see 804, of FIG. 8) via an indexer pin (see, 802 of FIG. 8). The pick and place device (see 804, of FIG. 8) is configured to induce/trigger an indexing motion to a push plate 402 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4). The indexing motion facilitates the push plate 402 to a forward stroke and a reverse stoke. During the forward stroke of the push plate 402, the carrier tape assembly 102 intermittently advances from the inlet port 104a to the outlet port 104b of the frame member 104. During the reverse stroke of the push plate 402, the tape cover 102a is parted from the carrier tape assembly 102. Upon parting of the tape cover 102a from the carrier tape assembly 102, a winding mechanism 106 is configured to simultaneously wind a portion of the tape cover 102a parted from the carrier tape assembly 102. Thus, feeding the carrier tape assembly 102 and parting of the tape cover 102a from the carrier tape assembly 102 in the forward stroke and the reverse stroke of the push plate 402 respectively are explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 8-11.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 2 in conjunction with FIG. 1, a guideway 202 is configured between the inlet port 104a and the outlet port 104b for guiding the carrier tape assembly 102 therebetween. The guideway 202 may be configured to accommodate the carrier tape assembly 102 of varying thickness as per design feasibility and requirement. A ratchet and pawl mechanism 204 is mounted to the frame member 104, which is configured to engage with the carrier tape assembly 102. The ratchet and pawl mechanism 204 is adapted to allow uni-directional movement of the carrier tape assembly 102 within the feeder mechanism 100, i.e. from the inlet port 104a to the outlet port 104b.
[0039] The ratchet and pawl mechanism 204 includes a ratchet wheel 204a mounted on the frame member 104 and positioned proximal to the inlet port 104a. The ratchet wheel 204a includes a plurality of teeth 204c configured along a circumference of the ratchet wheel 204a (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2). Further, the ratchet and pawl mechanism 204 includes a sprocket wheel 204d mounted concentrically to the ratchet wheel 204a. In one embodiment, the sprocket wheel 204d may be concentrically mounted by using conventional methods such as but not limited to bolting, adhesive, or any other mounting means as per the design feasibility and requirement. The sprocket wheel 204d includes a plurality of teeth 204e configured along a circumference of the sprocket wheel 204d (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2). The plurality of teeth 204e of the sprocket wheel 204d is configured for engaging with the slits 302 of the carrier tape assembly 102. In one configuration, the ratchet wheel 204a may be configured to engage with the slits 302 of the carrier tape assembly 102 via the plurality of teeth 204c of the ratchet wheel 204a. In one implementation, the configuration of the plurality of teeth 204c and 204e may be selected to resemble the distance between the slits 302. In other words, the plurality of teeth 204c and 204e are configured such that, the distance between each teeth resembles distance between the slits 302, for engagement therebetween.
[0040] The ratchet and pawl mechanism 204 includes a pawl member 204b pivotally mounted to the frame member 104 and positioned proximal to the inlet port 104a. The pawl member 204b is configured to engage with one teeth of the plurality of teeth 204c of the ratchet wheel 204a such that, the ratchet wheel 204a is permitted to rotate in only one direction i.e. either in a clockwise direction or an anti-clockwise direction. In particular, the pawl member 204b has one end fixed to the frame member 104 and located proximal to the inlet port 104a, while the other end engages with one teeth of the plurality of teeth 204c. This configuration of the pawl member 204b also restrains rotation of the sprocket wheel 204d, due to its attachment with the ratchet wheel 204a.
[0041] In one embodiment, the pawl member 204b may also be mounted at any location on the frame member 104, without interfering with the movement of the carrier tape assembly 102. Further, the ratchet wheel 204a is engaged by the pawl member 204b to ensure that, the ratchet wheel 204a rotates freely along the direction of the movement of the carrier tape assembly 102 from the inlet port 104a to the outlet port 104b. Thus, the carrier tape assembly 102 is conveyed only in one direction, i.e. from the inlet port 104a to the outlet port 104b, while the reverse movement i.e. from the outlet port 104b to the inlet port 104a is prevented due to the pawl member 204b locking the rotation of the ratchet wheel 204a which also prevents rotation of the sprocket wheel 204d in the reverse movement.
[0042] The feeder mechanism 100 further includes a saddle 206 mounted on the frame member 104 and positioned proximal to the outlet port 104b, for supporting the carrier tape assembly 102 guided from the inlet port 104a. The saddle 206 includes a support surface 206a, mounted on the frame member 104. The saddle 206 may be loaded with a damper element 208, for receiving the carrier tape assembly 102 of variable thickness. In other words, the saddle 206 is configured to adjust its position due to the damper element 208, when the carrier tape assembly 102 of varying thickness is inserted into the feeder mechanism 100. The damper element 208 is selected from one of a torsion spring or a spiral spring, a compression spring, extension spring or any other spring element, as per design feasibility and requirement.
[0043] In this configuration, the saddle 206 acts as a support structure for the carrier tape assembly 102, when the pick and place device (see, 804 of FIG. 8) is operated for pick-up of the surface mount devices (see, 806 of FIG. 12). In one implementation, the support surface 206a may be a flat surface, for ensuring stability during peeling operation of the tape cover 102a. In another implementation, the support surface 206a may be configured with a predetermined surface area, which is sufficient for implementing the peeling operation of the tape cover 102a, while also enabling pick-up of the surface mount devices (see, 806 of FIG. 12).
[0044] Referring to FIG. 4 in conjunction with FIG. 2, the feeder mechanism 100 also includes the push plate 402 mounted to the frame member 104 and positioned above the saddle 206. The push plate 402 is mounted to be slidable about the length of the frame member 104 (for e.g. as shown in FIG. 5). As such, the frame member 104 includes a groove (not shown in Figures) for slidably receiving the push plate 402. The push plate 402 includes a first end 402a which is mounted to the frame member 104 and engageable to the pick and place device via an indexer pin (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 8-11). The first end 402a of the push plate 402 is configured to engage with the carrier tape assembly 102 supported on the saddle 206, for ensuring parting of the tape cover 102a. The first end 402a is also configured to be a head of the push plate 402 with curved edges for engaging with the carrier tape assembly 102. The curved edges prevent damage or accidental tear of the tape cover 102a during the parting operation.
[0045] In one implementation, the first end 402a may be tilted towards the saddle 206 for effective transfer of force onto the carrier tape assembly 102. The first end 402a also includes a slot 404 configured for receiving an indexer pin of the pick and place device (for e.g. as shown in FIG. 8). The indexer pin 802 may hook onto the slot 404 for connection between the push plate 402 and the pick and place device 804. The pick and place device 804 is configured to trigger or induce indexing motion to the push plate 402 via the indexer pin 802. The indexing motion includes the forward stroke and the reverse stroke of required stroke length.
[0046] In one implementation, during the forward stroke, the push plate 402 is configured to move towards the outlet port 104b which enables the carrier tape assembly 102 to move towards the outlet port 104b from the inlet port 104a and during the reverse stroke, the push plate 402 moves towards the inlet port 104a. During the forward stroke of the push plate 402 (i.e., towards the outlet port 104b), the carrier tape assembly 102 moves towards the outlet port 104b, while rotating the ratchet wheel 204a, which enables the carrier tape assembly 102 to advance in the feeder mechanism 100. During the reverse stroke of the push plate 402 (i.e., towards the inlet port 104a), the carrier tape assembly 102 maintains its position on the saddle 206 due to the constraint imposed by the pawl member 204b on the ratchet wheel 204a. In this scenario, the energy expended (i.e. the tension force) during the reverse stroke is utilized for parting or peeling the tape cover 102a from the carrier tape assembly 102 which is explained in detail in further sections.
[0047] Further, the push plate 402 includes a second end 402b which may be engageable in the groove (not shown in Figures) of the frame member 104. The second end 402b may slide within the groove during movement of the push plate 402. The second end 402b is configured to provide stability to the push plate 402, during movement due to its engagement with the frame member 104.
[0048] The push plate 402 also includes a chamfered edge 402c, defined along the length of the push plate 402 and positioned between the first end 402a and the second end 402b. The chamfered edge 402c is configured to engage with the ratchet wheel 204a, during a rest position of the push plate 402. The chamfered edge 402c is configured to prevent rotation of the ratchet wheel 204a when the push plate 402 is in the rest position. This configuration prevents the transfer of the kinetic energy stored in the winding mechanism 106, by the technician during the installation of the carrier tape assembly 102 to the sprocket wheel 204d and the ratchet wheel 204a, thereby preventing accidental forward movement of the carrier tape assembly 102. The push plate 402 is also configured with a predetermined thickness, based on the weight that is required to be exerted onto the carrier tape assembly 102 for parting the tape cover 102a. In one implementation, the saddle 206 is configured to adjust its height due to the configuration of the damper element 208, based on the pressure exerted by the push plate 402 on the saddle 206, during the indexing operation. This configuration, therefore, ensures a stable platform for the push plate 402 during operation.
[0049] Referring back to FIG. 1 in conjunction with FIGS. 6 and 7, the feeder mechanism 100 further includes the winding mechanism 106 mounted to the frame member 104 and configured to engage with the tape cover 102a. The winding mechanism 106 is configured to wind the tape cover 102a parted from the carrier tape assembly 102. The winding mechanism 106 includes a winding wheel 602, whose outer circumferential surface 602a engages with the tape cover 102a. The winding wheel 602 may engage with the tape cover 102a by means of adhesive tape (not shown in Figures) or any other means as per design feasibility and requirement. Further, the point of attachment of the tape cover 102a onto the winding wheel 602 is selected, to ensure rotation of the winding wheel 602, during the forward stroke of the push plate 402. In one implementation, the point of engagement of the tape cover 102a with the winding wheel 602, is towards an aft end (see, 108 of FIG. 1) of the frame member 104. In another implementation, the size or configuration of the winding wheel 602 may be selected based on its moment of inertia. As such, the point of engagement of the tape cover 102a on the winding wheel 602 may be selected based on the moment of inertia, so that the required force is transferred to the winding wheel 602 for rotation during the forward stroke of the push plate 402.
[0050] Further, the winding mechanism 106 includes a gear wheel 604. The gear wheel 604 is concentrically coupled with the winding wheel 602, thus enabling rotation of the gear wheel 604 upon rotation of the winding wheel 602. The gear wheel 604 may be coupled to the winding wheel 602 via a damper member 606. Further, the gear wheel 604 includes a plurality of teeth 604c configured along circumference of the gear wheel 604. In one implementation, the size or configuration of the gear wheel 604 is selected to exhibit minimal variation in the moment of inertia of the winding wheel 602 upon engagement.
[0051] Further, the winding mechanism 106 includes a locking member 702 (e.g. as shown in FIG. 7). The locking member 702 is pivotally mounted to the frame member 104. In one implementation, the locking member 702 exhibits similar structural configuration and functionality to the pawl member 204b. The locking member 702 is configured to engage with the one teeth of the plurality of teeth 604c of the gear wheel 604, for allowing rotation of the gear wheel 604 in a single direction (i.e., uni-directional rotation). In other words, the locking member 702 is configured to engage with one teeth of the plurality of teeth 604c of the gear wheel 604 for allowing rotation either in the clockwise direction or in the anti-clockwise direction.
[0052] In one implementation, the locking member 702 is configured to lock rotation of the gear wheel 604 during the forward stroke of the push plate 402. As such, the winding wheel 602 rotates due to the transfer of forces from the push plate 402 via the tape cover 102a, during the forward stroke of the push plate 402. In this scenario, the kinetic energy due to the rotation of the winding wheel 602 relative to the gear wheel 604 is stored by the damper member 606.
[0053] The damper member 606 is positioned between the winding wheel 602 and the gear wheel 604. The damper member 606 may be mounted within an annular casing 604a of the gear wheel 604. The damper member 606 is mounted such that, one end 606a is fixed to the winding wheel 602 and the other end 606b is fixed within an aperture 604b configured on the annular casing 604a, via conventional fixing or fastening means. This construction ensures that the damper member 606 is actuated to absorb the energy (i.e., kinetic energy) during their relative rotation of the winding wheel 602 and the gear wheel 604. In one implementation, the damper member 606 is configured to store energy when the winding wheel 602 is rotating in direction of movement of the push plate 402 during the forward stroke, while the gear wheel 604 is restrained by the locking member 702. In another implementation, the damper member 606 is configured to transfer the stored energy to the winding wheel 602, during the reverse stroke of the push plate 402, which will be explained in subsequent sections of the description. In one configuration, the damper member 606 is selected from one of a torsion spring or a spiral spring, a compression spring, extension spring or any other spring, as per design feasibility and requirement. In another configuration, the stiffness of the damper member 606 is selected based on the rotational requirement of the winding wheel 602 during the return stroke, while also considering the resistance provided by the damper member 606 during the rotation of the winding wheel 602 during the forward stroke. As such, an optimum stiffness is considered for the configuration of the damper member 606.
[0054] FIGS. 8 to 11 in one exemplary embodiment of present disclosure illustrate operational views of the feeder mechanism 100. Prior to initiation of the forward stroke and the reverse stroke of the push plate 402 by the pick and place device 804 via the indexer pin 802, a technician manually inserts the carrier tape assembly 102 into the feeder mechanism 100 via the inlet port 104a. The carrier tape assembly 102 engages with the sprocket wheel 204d via the slits 302 on further advancement due to rotation of the ratchet wheel 204a and the sprocket wheel 204d. The technician advances the carrier tape assembly 102 further until the carrier tape assembly 102 is sufficiently supported on the saddle 206. In this scenario, the technician parts a portion of the tape cover 102a from the carrier tape assembly 102. The parted tape cover 102a is attached to the winding wheel 602 via suitable means as already described, while looping the tape cover 102a over the first end 402a of the push plate 402. The tape cover 102a is looped for maintaining the tension between the push plate 402 and the winding wheel 602, so that the winding wheel 602 is actuated instantly upon actuation of the push plate 402.
[0055] In one implementation, slack may be maintained while looping the tape cover 102a between the push plate 402 and the winding wheel 602, for preventing accidental tearing of the tape cover 102a during indexing motion of the push plate 402. Upon completion of attachment of the tape cover 102a, the pick and place device 804 is initiated for engagement with the push plate 402 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8). The pick and place device 804 upon engagement with the push plate 402, via the indexer pin 802, operates the push plate 402 thereby connecting with the push plate 402 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9).
[0056] Referring to FIG. 9, the pick and place device 804 triggers indexing motion of the push plate 402 in the forward direction, i.e. the forward stroke while applying suitable pressure on the carrier tape assembly 102. In this scenario, the push plate 402 moves the carrier tape assembly 102 in the forward direction i.e., from the inlet port 104a to the outlet port 104b, while disengaging the ratchet wheel 204a via the chamfered edge 402c. This disengagement enables rotation of the ratchet wheel 204a in the anti-clockwise direction (clockwise direction in FIG. 9, as FIG. 9 is a rear view of the feeder mechanism 100). Thus, the rotation of the ratchet wheel 204a and the sprocket wheel 204d intermittently advances the carrier tape assembly 102 from the inlet port 104a to the outlet port 104b. As such, the carrier tape assembly 102 advances from the inlet port 104a to the outlet port 104b by engaging with the plurality of teeth 204e of the sprocket wheel 204d via the slits 302 of the carrier tape assembly 102.
[0057] Further, due to the forward stroke, the winding wheel 602 attached to the push plate 402 via the tape cover 102a also rotates in the direction of movement of the push plate 402 i.e. in the clockwise direction (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9), while the gear wheel 604 is stationary and/or restricted from rotation due to the engagement of the locking member 702 with one teeth of the plurality of teeth 604c of the gear wheel 604. Due to the relative rotation between the winding wheel 602 and the gear wheel 604, the damper member 606 is activated for storing the kinetic energy.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 10, the pick and place device 804, now triggers the indexing motion of the push plate 402 in the reverse direction, i.e. the reverse stroke, while applying suitable pressure on the carrier tape assembly 102. The chamfered edge 402c engages with the ratchet wheel 204a at the end of the reverse stroke thereby restricting the rotation of the ratchet wheel 204a. Additionally, the pawl member 204b in engagement with the ratchet wheel 204a, also restricts its rotation, while also restricting the roatation of the sprocket wheel 204d. Due to restricition of rotation, the movement of the carrier tape assembly 102 is restricted while maintaining its position of the saddle 206, due to the engagement of the carrier tape assembly 102 with the plurality of teeth 204e of the sprocket wheel 204d via the slits 302.
[0059] Further, the winding wheel 602 is configured to rotate (i.e., in anticlockwise direction) in the direction of movement of the push plate 402 in the reverse stroke. During the reverse stroke, the damper member 606 is activated for transferring the stored kinetic energy to the winding wheel 602 for enabling rotation of the winding wheel 602 and the gear wheel in the anticlockwise direction. At this juncture, due to combined effect of the rotation of the winding wheel 602 in the anticlockwise direction, the constraint imposed by the ratchet wheel 204a and the sprocket wheel 204d enables parting of the tape cover 102a from the carrier tape assembly 102 due to energy (i.e., tension force) expended by the winding mechanism 106 on the carrier tape assembly 102. In other words, angular displacement of the winding wheel 602 and the push plate 402 may be sufficient to provide the tension force on the push plate 402 for peeling of the tape cover 102a from the carrier tape assembly 102. In one embodiment, the tension force required for peeling the tape cover 102a from the carrier tape assembly 102 may vary due to factors such as, but not limited to pressure, width of the carrier tape assembly 102, spacing of the recessed pockets in the carrier tape 102b. Further, this configuration may ensure formation of slacks over the push plate 402 due to the peeled tape cover 102a. The slack creates an imbalance of tension forces between the winding wheel 602 and the push plate 402 removes constraint imposed on the winding wheel 602 via the tape cover 102a.
[0060] In addition, the rotation of the winding wheel 602 in the anticlockwise direction simultaneously enables winding the portion of the tape cover 102a parted from the carrier tape assembly 102 onto the outer circumferential surface 602a of the winding wheel 602. Furthermore, upon completion of the peeling operation of the tape cover 102a from the carrier tape assembly 102, the indexer pin 802 is disengaged from the push plate 402 (for e.g. as shown in FIG. 11). In one implementation, the pick and place device 804 may induce periodically, the indexing motion to the push plate 402 till the tape cover 102a is parted completely throughout the length of the carrier tape assembly, such as the carrier tape assembly 102. Upon disengagement of the index pin 802, the pick and place device 804 accesses the surface mount devices 806 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 12) contained in the carrier tape 102b, for the fabrication of the circuit boards.
[0061] In one configuration, the length of the tape cover 102a wound on the winding wheel 602 corresponds to stroke length between the forward stroke and the reverse stroke of the push plate 402. In other words, the length of the tape cover 102a wound on the winding wheel 602 corresponds to the length traversed by the first end 402a of the push plate 402 between the forward stroke and the reverse stroke.
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 13, a flow diagram of a method 1300 of parting the tape cover 102a from the carrier tape assembly 102 for accessing the surface mount devices 806 contained in the recessed pockets of the carrier tape 102b, is shown in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0063] At operation 1302, the method 1300 includes engaging, the indexer pin 802 of the pick and place device 804 onto the slot 404 of the push plate 402 for enabling a connection between the push plate 402 and the pick and place device 804.
[0064] Further, prior to engaging the indexer pin 802 onto the slot 404 of the push plate 402, the technician manually feeds the carrier tape assembly 102 from the inlet port 104a to the outlet port 104b. Upon feeding the carrier tape assembly 102, the technician parts a portion of the tape cover 102a from the carrier tape assembly 102 and engages with the winding wheel 602, while looping the tape cover 102a over the first end 402a of the push plate 402.
[0065] At operation 1304, the method 1300 includes operating, the push plate 402 to the forward stroke via the indexer pin 802 of the pick and place device 804 for intermittently advancing the carrier tape assembly 102 from the inlet port 104a to the outlet port 104b, by a distance equal to stroke length of the forward stroke.
[0066] The carrier tape assembly 102 advances due to the rotation of the sprocket wheel 204d and the ratchet wheel 204a in the direction of movement of the carrier tape assembly 102 from the inlet port 104a to the outlet port 104b. The carrier tape assembly 102 advances from the inlet port 104a to the outlet port 104b, while engaging the carrier tape assembly 102 with the plurality of teeth 204e of the sprocket wheel 204d via the slits 302 of the carrier tape assembly 102.
[0067] At operation 1306, the method 1300 includes operating, the push plate 402 to the reverse stroke via the indexer pin 802 of the pick and place device 804, for enabling parting of the tape cover 102a from the carrier tape assembly 102, by a distance equal to stroke length of the reverse stroke.
[0068] The tape cover 102a is parted due to rotation of the winding wheel 602 and the gear wheel 604 in the direction of movement of the push plate 402 in the reverse stroke. In particular, the tape cover 102a is parted from the carrier tape assembly 102 due to constraint imposed by the ratchet and pawl mechanism 204 and the energy (i.e., tension force) expended by the winding mechanism 106 on the carrier tape assembly 102.
[0069] At operation 1308, the method 1300 includes winding the tape cover 102a parted from the carrier tape assembly 102, onto the outer circumferential surface 602a of the winding wheel 602 due to rotation of the winding wheel 602 in the direction of movement of the push plate 402 in the reverse stroke. The winding wheel 602 rotating in the anti-clockwise direction (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10) simultaneously winds the tape cover 102a parted from the carrier tape assembly 102.
[0070] At operation 1310, the method 1300 includes disengaging, the indexer pin 802 of the pick and place device 804 from the slot 404 of the push plate 402 upon parting of the tape cover 102a from the carrier tape assembly 102.
[0071] At operation 1312, the method 1300 includes accessing, the surface mount device 806 contained in the recessed pockets of the carrier tape 102b by the pick and place device 804 upon disengaging the indexer pin 802 of the pick and place device 804 from the apparatus 100 (i.e. the feeder mechanism 100).
[0072] In an embodiment, the feeder mechanism 100 described above, may be integrated within an automated circuit assembly machine (not shown in Figures). As such, the feeder mechanism 100 may be suitably enclosed via an enclosure (not shown in Figures) of the automated circuit assembly. In this configuration, the inlet port 104a and the outlet port 104b of the feeder mechanism 100 may be configured in the enclosure for receiving the carrier tape assembly 102 and for ejecting the carrier tape 102b respectively. The outlet port 104b in this configuration may be positioned in a vicinity of a process line of the automated circuit assembly, for enabling operation of the pick and place device. The pick and place device 804 is configured to pick and place the SMD devices from the carrier tape 102b on to a circuit board for fabrication.
[0073] Further, a particular problem encountered by the industry in use of these tape feeders is breakage of the tape cover 102a and the resultant loss of components and "down time" of the apparatus 100. Typically, the winding mechanism 106 acts to maintain a tension on the cover material at all times, so that the tension varies as more of the tape cover 102a is wound onto the winding mechanism 106. Thus, angular displacement of the winding mechanism 106 must be sufficient to provide the necessary tension for peeling of the tape cover 102a from the carrier tape 102b even when the winding mechanism 106 is substantially empty. Since, the amount of rotation of the winding mechanism 106 is the same for each indexing step, the peeling tension imparted to the carrier tape assembly 102 increases as the winding mechanism 106 becomes fuller.
[0074] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it is noted that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention.
[0075] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. ,CLAIMS:CLAIMS
We claim:

1. An apparatus for parting a tape cover from a carrier tape assembly, the apparatus comprising:
a frame member configured with an inlet port and an outlet port;
a ratchet and pawl mechanism mounted to the frame member and positioned proximal to the inlet port;
a saddle mounted on the frame member and configured to support the carrier tape assembly guided from the inlet port to the outlet port;
a winding mechanism mounted to the frame member, the winding mechanism configured to wind the tape cover parted from the carrier tape assembly; and
a push plate slidably mounted on the frame member and positioned above the saddle, the push plate including a first end configured with a slot for receiving an indexer pin of a pick and place device, wherein the pick and place device induces an indexing motion to the push plate which facilitates a forward stroke and a reverse stroke of a pre-defined stroke length to the push plate,
wherein the push plate is configured to move towards the outlet port in the forward stroke, which selectively operates the ratchet and pawl mechanism, and the winding mechanism for intermittently advancing the carrier tape assembly from the inlet port to the outlet port,
wherein the push plate is configured to move towards the inlet port in the reverse stroke, which selectively operates the ratchet and pawl mechanism, and the winding mechanism for enabling parting of the tape cover from the carrier tape assembly due to tension force exerted by the winding mechanism on the carrier tape assembly, and
wherein length of advancing the carrier tape assembly, and length of the tape cover parted from the carrier tape assembly and wounded correspond to length traversed by the push plate between the forward stroke and the reverse stroke.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ratchet and pawl mechanism comprises:
a ratchet wheel rotatably mounted on the frame member and positioned proximal to the inlet port;
a sprocket wheel concentrically coupled to the ratchet wheel; and
a pawl member pivotally mounted on the frame member and positioned proximal to the inlet port, the pawl member configured to engage with one teeth of a plurality of teeth of the rachet wheel for enabling at least rotation of the ratchet wheel and the sprocket wheel, and preventing the rotation of the ratchet wheel and the sprocket wheel based on actuation of the push plate by the pick and place device in the forward stroke and the reverse stroke respectively.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein in the forward stroke, a chamfered edge of the push plate disengages with the teeth of the plurality of teeth of the ratchet wheel, thereby enabling rotation of the ratchet wheel and the sprocket wheel along direction of movement of the carrier tape assembly from the inlet port to the outlet port.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rotation of the rachet wheel and the sprocket wheel in the forward stroke, intermittently advances the carrier tape assembly from the inlet port to the outlet port, by a distance equal to stroke length of the forward stroke, due to engagement of the carrier tape assembly with a plurality of teeth of the sprocket wheel via slits on the carrier tape assembly.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein in the reverse stroke, a chamfered edge of the push plate engages with the teeth of the plurality of teeth of the ratchet wheel which prevents the rotation of the ratchet wheel and the sprocket wheel thereby restricting the movement of the carrier tape assembly due to engagement of the carrier tape assembly with a plurality of teeth of the sprocket wheel via slits of the carrier tape assembly.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the winding mechanism comprises:
a winding wheel mounted to the frame member and positioned proximal to an aft end of the frame member, wherein the winding wheel having an outer circumferential surface engages with a portion of the tape cover parted from the carrier tape assembly, while looping the tape cover over the first end of the push plate;
a gear wheel concentrically coupled to the winding wheel via a damper member; and
a locking member pivotally mounted to the frame member, the locking member configured to engage with one teeth of a plurality of teeth of the gear wheel for at least restricting rotation of the gear wheel relative to rotation of the winding wheel in the forward stroke, and enabling the rotation of the gear wheel and the winding wheel in the reverse stroke.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the damper member is mounted within an annular casing of the gear wheel, such that a first end of the damper member is fixed to the winding wheel and a second end of the damper member is fixed within an aperture of the annular casing.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein in the forward stroke, the winding wheel is configured to rotate in direction of movement of the push plate in the forward stroke due to force exerted by the push plate via the tape cover engaged with the outer circumferential surface of the winding wheel, and wherein due to relative rotation between the winding wheel and the gear wheel, the damper member is actuated for storing kinetic energy.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein in the reverse stroke, the winding wheel and the gear wheel are configured to rotate in direction of movement of the push plate in the reverse stroke, thereby enabling the parting of the tape cover from the carrier tape assembly due to the tension force exerted on the carrier tape assembly by the push plate via the winding wheel rotating in the reverse stroke.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the rotation of the winding wheel and the gear wheel in the reverse stroke further comprises actuating the damper member of the gear wheel for transferring stored kinetic energy to the winding wheel for enabling the rotation of the winding wheel and the gear wheel corresponding to the direction of the movement of the push plate in the reverse stroke.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the reverse stroke of the push plate further comprises winding the tape cover parted from the carrier tape assembly onto an outer circumferential surface of the winding wheel due to the rotation of the winding wheel and the gear wheel in the direction of the movement of the push plate in the reverse stroke.

12. A method for parting a tape cover from a carrier tape assembly of surface mount devices, the method comprising:
engaging, an indexer pin of a pick and place device onto a slot of a push plate for enabling a connection between the push plate and the pick and place device;
operating, the push plate to a forward stroke via the indexer pin of the pick and place device for intermittently advancing the carrier tape assembly from an inlet port to an outlet port of a frame member, by a distance equal to stroke length of the forward stroke;
operating, the push plate to a reverse stroke via the indexer pin of the pick and place device, for enabling parting of the tape cover from the carrier tape assembly, by a distance equal to stroke length of the reverse stroke;
winding the tape cover parted from the carrier tape assembly, onto an outer circumferential surface of a winding wheel due to rotation of the winding wheel in direction of movement of the push plate in the reverse stroke;
disengaging, the indexer pin of the pick and place device from the slot of the push plate upon parting a portion of the tape cover from the carrier tape assembly; and
accessing, the surface mount devices contained in recessed pockets of carrier tape by the pick and place device.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising:
guiding, the carrier tape assembly by a technician from the inlet port to the outlet port and parting a portion of the tape cover from the carrier tape assembly; and
engaging the portion of the tape cover parted from the carrier tape assembly onto the outer circumferential surface of the winding wheel while looping over the push plate, wherein engaging the tape cover with the winding wheel enables in maintaining tension between the push plate and the winding wheel.

14. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein in the forward stroke, the push plate is configured to move towards the outlet port for advancing the carrier tape assembly, further comprises:
disengaging, a chamfered edge of the push plate with a teeth of a plurality of teeth of a ratchet wheel thereby enabling rotation of the ratchet wheel and a sprocket wheel in a direction of movement of the carrier tape assembly from the inlet port to the outlet port, while engaging the carrier tape assembly with a plurality of teeth of the sprocket wheel via slits of the carrier tape assembly for intermittently advancing the carrier tape assembly from the inlet port to the outlet port;
enabling, rotation of the winding wheel in the direction of the movement of the push plate in the forward stroke due to force exerted by the push plate via the tape cover, while restricting rotation of a gear wheel due to engagement of a locking member; and
actuating, a damper member of the gear wheel for storing kinetic energy due to relative rotation between the winding wheel and the gear wheel.

15. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein in the reverse stroke, the push plate is configured to move towards the inlet port for parting the tape cover from the carrier tape assembly, further comprises:
engaging, a chamfered edge of the push plate with a teeth of a plurality of teeth of a ratchet wheel thereby restricting rotation of the ratchet wheel and a sprocket wheel, which restricts movement of the carrier tape assembly; and
enabling, rotation of the winding wheel and a gear wheel in the direction of the movement of the push plate due to kinetic energy stored in the gear wheel, thereby enabling the push plate to exert a tension force on the carrier tape assembly for parting the tape cover from the carrier tape assembly.

16. An apparatus for parting a tape cover from a carrier tape assembly of surface mount devices, the apparatus comprising:
a frame member configured with an inlet port and an outlet port;
a ratchet and pawl mechanism mounted to the frame member and positioned proximal to the inlet port, the ratchet and pawl mechanism comprising:
a ratchet wheel rotatably mounted on the frame member and positioned proximal to the inlet port,
a sprocket wheel concentrically coupled to the ratchet wheel, and
a pawl member pivotally mounted on the frame member and positioned proximal to the inlet port, the pawl member configured to engage with one teeth of a plurality of teeth of the rachet wheel;
a saddle mounted on the frame member and configured to support the carrier tape assembly guided from the inlet port to the outlet port;
a winding mechanism mounted to the frame member, the winding mechanism configured to wind the tape cover parted from the carrier tape assembly, the winding mechanism comprising:
a winding wheel mounted to the frame member and positioned proximal to an aft end of the frame member,
a gear wheel concentrically coupled to the winding wheel via a damper member, such that a first end of the damper member is fixed to the winding wheel and a second end of the damper member is fixed within an aperture of an annular casing, and
a locking member pivotally mounted to the frame member and configured to engage with one teeth of a plurality of teeth of the gear wheel; and
a push plate slidably mounted on the frame member and positioned above the saddle, the push plate including a first end configured with a slot for receiving an indexer pin of a pick and place device, wherein the pick and place device induces an indexing motion to the push plate which facilitates a forward stroke and a reverse stroke of a pre-defined stroke length to the push plate,
wherein the push plate is configured to move towards the outlet port in the forward stroke, which selectively operates the ratchet and pawl mechanism, and the winding mechanism for intermittently advancing the carrier tape assembly from the inlet port to the outlet port,
wherein the push plate is configured to move towards the inlet port in the reverse stroke, which selectively operates the ratchet and pawl mechanism, and the winding mechanism for enabling parting of the tape cover from the carrier tape assembly due to tension force exerted by the winding mechanism on the carrier tape assembly, and
wherein length of advancing the carrier tape assembly and length of the tape cover parted from the carrier tape assembly and wounded on the winding wheel correspond to length traversed by the first end of the push plate between the forward stroke and the reverse stroke.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein in the forward stroke, a chamfered edge of the push plate disengages with the a teeth of the plurality of teeth of the ratchet wheel, thereby enabling rotation of the ratchet wheel and the sprocket wheel along direction of movement of the carrier tape assembly from the inlet port to the outlet port, which intermittently advances the carrier tape assembly from the inlet port to the outlet port by a distance equal to stroke length of the forward stroke, due to engagement of the carrier tape assembly with a plurality of teeth of the sprocket wheel via slits of the carrier tape assembly.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein in the forward stroke, the winding wheel is configured to rotate in direction of movement of the push plate in the forward stroke due to force exerted by the push plate via the tape cover engaged with an outer circumferential surface of the winding wheel, and wherein due to relative rotation between the winding wheel and the gear wheel, the damper member is activated for storing kinetic energy.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein in the reverse stroke, a chamfered edge of the push plate engages with a teeth of the plurality of teeth of the ratchet wheel, thereby preventing rotation of the ratchet wheel and the sprocket wheel which restricts movement of the carrier tape assembly due to engagement of the carrier tape assembly with a plurality of teeth of the sprocket wheel via slits of the carrier tape assembly.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein in the reverse stroke, the winding wheel and the gear wheel are configured to rotate in a direction of movement of the push plate in the reverse stroke due to kinetic energy provided by the damper member, thereby enabling parting of the tape cover from the carrier tape assembly, and winding the parted tape cover onto an outer circumferential surface of the winding wheel.