Acoustic Part Separation Using Decoupled Sound Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for separating loose parts in manufacturing processes require high mechanical forces, leading to wear and are inflexible for parts of different sizes and shapes, necessitating multiple separating devices.
Innovation Solution
A sound-based separation method where a sound generating device, decoupled from the base, emits sound waves to move parts on a flexible or rigid base, allowing for adjustable frequency and amplitude to accommodate various part sizes and shapes, reducing mechanical contact and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical forces are used to separate parts on a base, then the parts can be effectively separated, but considerable wear occurs on the components due to mechanical force transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical vibration system with an acoustic wave system. A sound-generating device emits acoustic waves that propagate through air to move parts on the base, eliminating direct mechanical contact and force transmission between the actuator and the base, thereby preventing wear on mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary medium between the sound-generating device and the parts. Acoustic waves travel through this intermediary to transfer energy to the parts without requiring mechanical connection, thus avoiding wear while achieving effective separation
2Reliability
If conventional separating devices are designed for specific part sizes and shapes, then effective separation is achieved, but multiple different devices are required for parts of other sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal separating device where the acoustic wave parameters (frequency, amplitude, wavelength) can be adjusted to handle parts of different sizes, shapes, and weights. The sound-generating device can be tuned to resonate with various part characteristics, making a single device adaptable to multiple part types without requiring mechanical reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes adjustable acoustic parameters including frequency, amplitude, and wavelength of the sound waves. By changing these parameters, the same device can effectively separate different types of parts based on their size, shape, and weight characteristics, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized devices
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
The method effectively separates and orients parts without mechanical contact, reducing wear and enabling flexible handling of diverse part sizes and shapes, facilitating efficient robotic grasping and processing.
Implementation Method 1
A sound-generating device is provided for generating sound waves... The sound waves are generated by the sound-generating device and emitted towards the surface in such a way that they cause the surface to move sufficiently to move or bounce the parts on it
Implementation Method 2
Due to the lack of a direct mechanical connection between the sound-generating device and the singulation surface, sound transmission from the device to the surface occurs primarily via sound propagation in free space
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for separating parts in a production process comprising a sound-producing device (19) for producing sound waves and a base, which is mechanically decoupled from the sound-producing device and forms a separating surface (14) and which is arranged and designed in such a way that the sound waves emitted by the sound-producing device (19) move at least part of the separating surface (14) in such a way that parts lying thereon are excited to move. The invention further relates to a corresponding method.