Flat-Pen Assembly Line Automation with Pneumatic Pressing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional assembly process of flat pens is labor-intensive and inefficient, with manual pen-cap pressing and manual transfer of semi-assembled products leading to low efficiency and potential damage, resulting in waste.
Innovation Solution
An automated assembly line system featuring a worktable with sprockets and an endless loop chain, integrated automatic machines for ink-filling, pen-tip pressing, and pen-cap pressing, controlled by a programmable logic module, and equipped with photoelectric sensing devices to ensure accurate operation and reduce labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual pen-cap pressing is used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but assembly efficiency is very low and operator injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic pen-cap pressing machine performs the pressing operation autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The machine self-regulates the pressing force and timing, eliminating the need for operators to manually press pen caps while maintaining consistent quality and high speed production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pressing operation with an automated mechanical pressing machine. The automatic pressing machine uses controlled mechanical force through a pressing mechanism to secure pen caps, substituting human physical action with automated mechanical action to improve efficiency and eliminate repetitive strain injuries.
2Productivity
If manual transfer of semi-assembled products is used, then flexibility in positioning is maintained, but assembly efficiency decreases and product damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate assembly processes (ink-filling, pen-tip pressing, pen-cap pressing) into a single integrated automatic assembly line. The conveyor system combines transportation and processing functions, allowing semi-assembled products to move automatically between stations without manual handling, thereby improving efficiency and reducing damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system acts as an intermediary mechanism between different assembly stations. It automatically transports semi-assembled products from one station to the next, eliminating the need for manual transfer operations while maintaining precise positioning and reducing product handling damage.
3Productivity
If multiple operators are used for each process, then each operation can be performed manually with control, but labor intensity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic assembly line uses multi-functional machines that can perform multiple operations. The ink-filling machine, pen-tip pressing machine, and pen-cap pressing machine are integrated into a single automated system that handles different assembly tasks sequentially, reducing the need for multiple specialized operators while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the assembly process into distinct automatic stations (ink-filling, pen-tip pressing, pen-cap pressing) along the conveyor line. Each station is equipped with specialized automatic equipment that performs its specific function independently, allowing the system to handle multiple operations simultaneously with fewer total operators needed for monitoring and coordination.
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 system significantly improves assembly efficiency by automating key processes, reducing labor, minimizing product damage, and enabling high-speed assembly on a single worktable with reduced operator intervention, while ensuring accurate mounting and filling processes.
Implementation Method 1
The automatic pen-cap pressing machine includes a first frame and a first cylinder, wherein the first cylinder is fixed on the first frame, and the rod is fixed on a cylinder shaft of the first cylinder
Implementation Method 2
The automatic pen-tip pressing machine includes a second frame and a second cylinder. The second cylinder is fixed on the second frame, and the upper end of the pressing die is fixed on a cylinder shaft of the second cylinder
Implementation Method 3
the automatic ink-filling machine, the automatic pen-tip pressing machine, and the automatic pen-cap pressing machine can be provided with a photoelectric sensing device to detect the presence or absence of pen barrels arriving and departing from the machines
Data Source
AI summary
A flat-pen automatic assembly line system includes a worktable, two sprockets, and an endless loop driving chain connecting the two sprockets. The two sprockets are mounted at the two ends of the worktable, respectively. A plurality of jigs on the driving chain receives pen barrels. A transporting rail supporting the driving chain is provided between the two sprockets. A pen-cap mounting station and a pen-cap pressing station are provided on the same worktable successively, and the pen-cap pressing station is provided with an automatic pen-cap pressing machine. The pen-cap mounting process and the pen-cap pressing process are completed on the same worktable and these two processes are linked via the same driving chain. Therefore, the assembly time is shortened and the assembly efficiency is improved. Furthermore, the pen-cap pressing process may employ an automatic pen-cap pressing machine. Therefore, labor can be reduced further, and assembly efficiency can be improved.