Bolt Dispensing Cartridge for Multi-Size Fastener Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manufacturing techniques face challenges in efficiently carrying and mounting bolts or screws of different sizes and shapes onto a work piece in a single trip, as existing automated systems are not configured to handle varied components effectively.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing system comprising a cartridge with a dispensing tube and section, allowing for the storage and controlled dispensing of bolts of varying sizes and shapes, where the dispensing section near the tube's end controls the opening and closing to release bolts one at a time into apertures on a work piece, facilitated by robotic arms and bolt loading stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional automated systems are used to carry and mount components, then a single robot trip can mount one type of component, but multiple trips are necessary to mount bolts or screws of different sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the component handling function into separate dispensing cartridges, each dedicated to a specific component type. Each cartridge is independently loaded and dispensed, allowing multiple component types to be handled in parallel during a single robot trip, thereby eliminating the need for multiple trips and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is designed with multi-functionality by equipping it with multiple dispensing cartridges that can handle different component types. The robot can switch between different cartridges during a single trip, enabling it to mount various sizes and shapes of bolts and screws without requiring multiple separate trips, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and time loss.
2Productivity
If a robot is configured to carry and mount bolts or screws of different sizes and shapes, then multiple component types can be mounted in a single trip, but the configuration becomes complex and difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of configuring a single complex robot to handle multiple component types, the system segments the functionality into multiple simple, dedicated dispensing cartridges. Each cartridge is designed for a specific component type, simplifying the overall system configuration while enabling the robot to mount multiple component types in a single trip by switching between cartridges.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing cartridges act as intermediaries between the robot and the work piece. Each cartridge is a self-contained unit that simplifies the robot's task by pre-configuring the appropriate component type for dispensing. This intermediary approach reduces the complexity of robot configuration while maintaining the capability to handle multiple component types efficiently.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple trips are used to mount different components, then the robot configuration remains simple, but manufacturing efficiency decreases due to repeated trips
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the component supply function into multiple dedicated dispensing cartridges, each simple in design but collectively enabling high productivity. This segmentation allows the robot to access different component types without returning to a central feeder multiple times, thereby maintaining system simplicity while dramatically improving assembly line throughput by eliminating repeated trips.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for dispensing bolts are provided. The system includes a dispensing cartridge including a dispensing tube and a dispensing section. The dispensing tube includes a first end, a second end, and a passage provided between the first end and the second end. The passage is configured to store a plurality of bolts to be supplied to the dispensing tube through the first end such that the bolts are moved through the passage. The dispensing section is located near the second end of the dispensing tube and is configured to dispense the bolts one at a time from the second end.