Nut Feeder Valve Timing for Automatic Release at Target Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing component supply devices fail to synchronize the arrival of a component at a target position with the stopping of gas blowing from the rod, causing components to remain attached after reaching the target position.
Innovation Solution
A component supply device with a rod, actuator, valve, and fixing portion that synchronizes the arrival of a component at a target position with the stopping of gas blowing by using a push switch and biasing unit to control gas flow through a gas passage and outlet, ensuring the component is released upon reaching the target position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas continues to be supplied to the gas chamber after the component reaches the target position, then the component remains firmly held by the holding portion, but the component cannot be released from the holding portion
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply is cut off slightly before the component reaches the target position, so that the component is automatically released by the time it arrives at the target. This preliminary action of cutting off gas supply ensures both reliable holding during transport and automatic release at the destination without requiring additional release mechanisms.
2Productivity
If the gas supply is cut off immediately when the component reaches the target position, then the component can be released quickly, but sudden changes in gas flow may cause operational failures
Solution Approach 1:
The gas supply is gradually reduced before the component reaches the target position, rather than being cut off abruptly. This gradual reduction cushions the transition and prevents sudden changes in gas flow that could cause operational failures, while still ensuring timely release of the component at the target position.
3Loss of time
If a valve and control mechanism are added to synchronize gas supply with component position, then component release timing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding portion and gas supply system are designed to automatically synchronize component position with gas supply status. The component itself triggers the release by reaching a specific position where the holding portion is no longer engaged, eliminating the need for external sensors, valves, or control mechanisms while achieving precise timing.
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 solution allows components to be released from the rod as soon as they reach the target position, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of failure due to sudden changes in gas flow.
Implementation Method 1
a gas passage extending in the axial direction inside the rod and configured to send gas supplied from a gas source to the gas outlet
Implementation Method 2
a gas outlet located in an outer periphery of the holding portion and configured to blow gas rearward in the axial direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A nut feeder includes: a rod configured to advance to feed a nut to a target position; a cylinder; a valve configured to advance and withdraw with the rod; and a cover by which the valve that advances passes. The rod includes a gas outlet located in an outer periphery of a holding portion, and an air passage extending in an axial direction inside the rod. The valve includes a push rod configured to switch between an advanced attitude for opening a channel from a pump to the air passage and a withdrawn attitude for closing the channel, and a spring configured to bias the push rod to the withdrawn attitude. As the valve advances, the push rod advances along a pressing wall portion and is pressed by the pressing wall portion into the advanced attitude before the nut reaches the target position, and the push switch is released from the pressing wall portion and changed to the withdrawn attitude after the nut reaches the target position.