Laterally Offset Feeder Bowl Layout for Crimping Line Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire assembly machines face downtime and ergonomic issues due to the need to open safety covers to refill vibrating feeder bowls, making it difficult to monitor and maintain an adequate fill level of conductor end pieces.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of a separating device and a conductor processing station is laterally offset, allowing for easier identification and refilling of conductor end pieces without opening safety covers, and incorporating a transport device with a pneumatic system for flexible and efficient conveying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vibrating feeder bowl is fastened within the safety cover of the crimping unit, then the conductor end pieces can be fed through a drop channel due to gravity, but opening the safety cover to refill the bowl causes downtime and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The vibrating feeder bowl is extracted from the safety cover and positioned laterally offset outside of it. This allows the bowl to be refilled independently without opening the safety cover, eliminating downtime and maintaining safety during refilling operations while preserving the gravity-fed mechanism through the drop channel
Solution Approach 2:
The arrangement transitions from a vertical stacking configuration (bowl inside cover) to a lateral offset configuration. The separating device and conductor processing station are positioned at different horizontal locations, enabling independent access to the bowl for refilling while the safety cover remains closed and operational
2Productivity
If the vibrating feeder bowl is positioned high for automated feeding, then conductor end pieces can be fed via gravity, but viewing and refilling becomes difficult especially for short operators
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the vertical gravity-fed function from the horizontal access function. The bowl maintains its elevated position for automated feeding while being laterally offset to provide front-facing access, allowing operators to view and refill from a comfortable standing position without requiring high reach or compromising automated operation
3Reliability
If multiple vibrating feeder bowls are provided, then supply of conductor end pieces is ensured, but accessibility for refilling becomes poor
Solution Approach 1:
Each vibrating feeder bowl is segmented as an independent, laterally offset unit with its own front-facing access. This allows multiple bowls to be arranged in a sequence where each can be individually refilled without interfering with others, maintaining continuous supply while ensuring easy accessibility for each bowl
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple bowls are arranged laterally in sequence rather than stacked vertically or positioned behind each other. This lateral segmentation provides front-facing access to each bowl, allowing operators to efficiently refill multiple units without compromising accessibility or supply continuity
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
This solution enhances user-friendliness, reduces downtime, and improves ergonomics by allowing refilling without interrupting production, while also providing flexibility in design and operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pneumatic device (16) for applying force to the transport device (6)
Implementation Method 2
The transport device (6) is arranged and connected relative to the separating device (1) and the conductor processing station (4) in such a way that the separating device (1) and the conductor processing station (4), in the position of use of the arrangement, are laterally offset from one another in the horizontal direction (7)
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement includes at least one separating device, preferably a vibrating feeder bowl, for conductor end pieces, at least one conductor processing station, preferably a crimping unit, and at least one transport device for transporting the conductor end pieces at least in sections between the at least one separating device and the at least one conductor processing station, preferably for feeding the at least one conductor processing station with the conductor end pieces. The at least one transport device is arranged relative to the at least one separating device and the at least one conductor processing station such that the at least one separating device and the at least one conductor processing station are laterally offset from one another in the horizontal direction in the position of use of the arrangement, preferably spaced apart from one another.