Component Feeder Plate Orientation via Pneumatic Reciprocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing component feeders in automated industrial systems are either not versatile or space-efficient, often requiring customization and complex designs to correctly orient and display components for robotic picking, with limitations in flexibility and space usage.
Innovation Solution
A component feeder system featuring a bulk storage container with a retractable, rigid plate as the component pick surface, utilizing a pneumatic cylinder for back-and-forth movement to transport and re-orient components, and incorporating a vision system and backlight arrangement for efficient component identification and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a lift platform is used as the display surface, then the feeder is compact, but the pick surface area is limited and may be overcrowded
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a vertical lift platform display to a horizontal plate display. Components are transferred from the vertical lift platform onto a horizontal plate that can be moved forward, providing a larger two-dimensional display area while maintaining compact vertical footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The display function is segmented from the storage function. The lift platform remains for vertical transport, while a separate movable plate provides the display surface. This allows the display area to be independent of the lift platform dimensions.
2Device complexity
If a rigid plate is used for the component pick surface, then the design is simplified, but the plate cannot be folded or coiled
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is made movable rather than fixed. A pneumatic cylinder moves the plate forward and backward, allowing dynamic adjustment of the display area and component positioning without requiring the plate itself to be flexible or foldable.
3Reliability
If separate forward and reverse transport mechanisms are used, then component transport is reliable, but the system becomes space demanding and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The forward and reverse transport functions are merged into a single pneumatic cylinder that moves the plate back and forth. This eliminates the need for separate transport mechanisms while maintaining reliable component transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate undergoes periodic back-and-forth motion to transport components forward and return empty plate backward. This periodic action replaces complex continuous transport systems with a simple reciprocating mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1~3b
Figure 4a~4f
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AI summary
The invention concerns a component feeder comprising a bulk storage container (2) for storage of components (4), and a lift (6) for elevating a selection of components from the container, said lift being located inside the container. The feeder further comprises a transfer arrangement (6) for transferring elevated components from the lift onto a component pick surface (14) on which the components are distributed in order to be picked by a tool or by a hand, and a plate (12) configured to comprise said component pick surface. Further is described a component feeder system including at least one component feeder, a camera(30)for monitoring the component pick surface(14)and a processor used to control an industrial robot (21) to pick pickable components(4) lying on the pick surface. A corresponding method is also described.