Oval Part Feeder with Vibrating Gravity Chute
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration conveying systems are inefficient and prone to errors when handling larger, flexible oval parts like rubber rings for silent blocks, as they tend to stick in the gravity chute and require manual orientation in the removal bed, leading to high labor demands and low efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A feeder system with a linear gravity chute and a vibrating device that uses sensors and a control unit to manage the orientation and release of oval parts, featuring a movable linear gravity chute and a blower to prevent sticking, ensuring smooth and error-free feeding of lightweight, flexible oval parts by using gravitational force and controlled vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional vibration conveying system is used for feeding small disc-shaped parts, then the parts can be conveyed efficiently, but the system cannot prevent light flexible parts from getting stuck in the gravity chute
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibrating device that oscillates the gravity chute in a direction perpendicular to the part flow direction. This vibration prevents flexible oval parts from adhering to the chute walls and getting stuck, while still maintaining efficient conveying. The vibration frequency and amplitude are controlled to ensure parts are released from adhesion without causing excessive movement or scattering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary air flow system using a blower that directs air streams along the gravity chute. This air flow acts as a mediator between the flexible parts and the chute walls, reducing adhesion and preventing parts from getting stuck. The air flow complements the vibration effect and provides additional mechanism to keep parts moving smoothly through the chute.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual preparation and feeding of spring parts is used, then orientation can be visually inspected, but the demand for human labour is high and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automatic sensing and control systems. Sensors detect the presence and orientation of oval parts in the gravity chute and removal bed, and the control unit automatically adjusts the vibrating device and separating device without human intervention. This automation maintains accurate orientation control while eliminating manual labor and significantly improving feeding efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor the state of parts in the gravity chute and removal bed. The control unit receives this feedback information and automatically adjusts the operating parameters of the vibrating device and separating device to maintain correct part orientation and prevent errors, replacing manual visual inspection with automated closed-loop control.
3Ease of operation
If a separating device is used to limit part movement in the gravity chute, then parts can be controlled, but incorrectly oriented parts require additional rotation in the removal bed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the vibrating device to pre-orient oval parts in the correct direction before they reach the separating device. The vibration-induced oscillation and gravity interaction ensure parts are automatically oriented with their major axes aligned properly, so that when the separating device releases them, they are already in the correct orientation for removal, eliminating the need for additional rotation in the removal bed.
4Productivity
If the linear gravity chute is made movable to prevent sticking, then flexible parts can be fed smoothly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by mounting the gravity chute on movable elements (such as slides or ball joints) that allow controlled movement in response to vibration. The chute can dynamically adjust its position and orientation during operation, which prevents flexible parts from adhering to the walls while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The movability is limited and controlled, avoiding excessive complexity.
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 effectively feeds and removes lightweight, flexible oval parts with reduced labor and error rates, preventing sticking and ensuring correct orientation, thereby enhancing production efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the oval parts inserted in the inlet opening are rolled one by one, under the action of the gravitational force, directly obliquely down the inclined plane of the bottom plate of the linear gravity chute
Implementation Method 2
the vibrating device moves the upper end of the linear gravity chute of the feeder in a horizontal direction, which is perpendicular to the direction of the movement of the parts in the gravity chute
Implementation Method 3
The blower of oval parts comprises at least one nozzle that is preferably arranged between the flaps and serves to release a stuck or jammed oval part and/or oval part adhered to the wall of lateral guide of the linear gravity chute or to another oval part by an air stream
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a feeder of oval parts (16) which comprises a linear gravity chute (11) for guiding oval parts (16), wherein the linear gravity chute (11) is provided with an inlet opening (114) at its upper end and with its lower end abuts a removal bed (9) of oval parts (16), the removal bed (9) being associated with a sensor (10) for detecting oval parts (16) in the removal bed (9), and a separating device (13) for controlled release of individual oval parts (16) from the linear gravity chute (11) to the removal bed (9), wherein the linear gravity chute (11) is further provided with a sensor (12) for detecting an oval part (16) in the linear gravity chute (11) and the linear gravity chute (11) is coupled to a vibrating device (8). The lower end of the linear gravity chute (11) is mounted rotatably about a vertical axis near the removal bed (9) and the upper end of the linear gravity chute (11) is reciprocally movably mounted about said axis in the horizontal plane, wherein the vibrating device (8) is adapted to cause movement of the upper end of the linear gravity chute (11) in the horizontal plane about said vertical axis. In addition, the invention relates to a method of feeding oval parts (16) performed by this feeder.