Automatic parts aligning and feeding mechanism

Abstract

This project evolved from a realistic situation in industry. An assembly process at a local firm involves the correctly orientated feeding of a particular, complex shaped part to the assembly machine. The work handling involved was being done manually. This process was used as a basis for investigating the requirements for mechanizing such work handling of small parts. The work was based could be achieved by the on the idea that orientation application of vibrations. Several development trials were carried out to investigate the possibilities. The first stage involved the design and construction of a vibrating surface which would impart onto the parts, placed or dropped onto it, the required vibrations. This was obtained by mounting a platform over four helical springs and applying vibrations (from a vibration generator) onto the platform, in the horizontal direction. Once the parts were being tumbled by the vibrating surface, it was necessary to choose the ones that achieved the correct orientation. This was done by introducing a groove (with the correct geometrical features) in the surface. This vibrating surface also provided a feeding action by transporting the parts along its surface. A simple orientating and feeding device had thus been constructed. However, this equipment was rather crude and presented various problems. A solution was found to every problem. However, each solution added new detrimental effects. By combining the feeding action provided by a rotating disc, together with the various factors and phenomena, observed during the development trials, a vibratory, rotating disc parts feeder was designed and constructed. This device gave very good results, feed rates (of correctly aligned parts) of the order of 28 parts per minute being obtained. This feed rate satisfies the requirements of the assembly process concerned. Several principles involved in the of a particular small, complex shaped part investigated. These can, in general, be work handling had thus been applied to similar situations, in other assembly processes, by making use of the information gained throughout this work.