Hello, I am assessing a patent 3

[hjain73]

Hello,

I am assessing a patent on a desktop solder wire dispenser that can provide automatic metering and feeding of the solder wire. Essentially this dispenser can sit next to where the soldering is to take place. Varous sensors can ensure that a precise amount of solder wire is metered out only when needed. The amount of solder wire will depend on the what is being soldered. This technology is generally used in the manufacture of printed circuit boards.

Does this patent sound useful? Is there anything like this already available?

Any information that you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help and time,
Best Wishes,

Hitesh

 

[Comcokid]

I have seen on the market in the past manual soldering irons with automatic solder feed. I've also seen in the fully automated assembly of solenoids and coils prebuilt automatic solder feeders for automated soldering.

 

[BrianG]

Mass-produced circuit boards are either with through hole components which are wave/flow-soldered, or for surface mount component boards, which are re-flow soldered.

I can only envisage using solder in wire format for "hand soldering" of boards. Having done quite a bit of this in my youth, I would find this automatic dispenser a most tedious piece of equipment to use in hand soldering. Most operators just pull off what they need from the reel in a continuous length as they go round each joint on the board. Usually very little is wasted.
I can't personally see the point of such a device.

 

[skills]

I always test the market with a product before I fiddle around with spending money on patent work. I have had success with things and then I patented them; but, most patents will cost far more than you will recieve from their use.

If there is a market for this solder feeding system, make a few and sell them to determine the market volume.