Universal Component Feeding System with Dynamic Agitation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional component feeding machines are inflexible and require significant tooling changes and downtime to handle different types and sizes of components, limiting their ability to automate the sorting and placement of various electrical components efficiently without human intervention.
Innovation Solution
A component feeding system that includes a platform with a tray, an agitation unit, a guidance system with a camera, and a positioning system, where the controller operates these components based on images from the camera to dynamically adjust agitation and positioning, allowing for the sorting and placement of multiple component types without significant tooling changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional feeding machines use dedicated tooling for specific component types, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but adaptability decreases and tooling changeover time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding machine is designed with a universal feeding mechanism that can handle multiple component types without requiring dedicated tooling changes. The system uses a single feeding structure that can accommodate different component geometries and materials through programmable control, eliminating the need for physical tooling changes between product types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic adjustment capabilities where feeding parameters, agitation patterns, and robot pickup positions can be programmatically changed in real-time. This allows the same physical hardware to adapt to different component types by changing control parameters rather than physical tooling, enabling rapid product changeover.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional feeding machines are configured for specific component types, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but device complexity increases due to multiple machines required
Solution Approach 1:
A single feeding machine is designed to perform the function of multiple dedicated machines by incorporating universal feeding mechanisms and programmable control systems. The robot component can be reprogrammed to pick up different component types, and the agitation system can be adjusted to handle various materials, replacing the need for multiple specialized machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple feeding functions into a single integrated machine. The agitation unit, camera system, robot pickup, and placement mechanisms are merged into one system that can handle different component types through software control rather than requiring separate dedicated machines for each component type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional feeding machines stop processing for tooling changes, then adaptability to different components is achieved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration during operation through programmable control. When a change in component type is required, the controller can adjust agitation patterns, camera positioning, and robot pickup parameters without stopping the feeding process, allowing continuous productivity while maintaining adaptability to different components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for component changes by pre-programming feeding parameters and agitation patterns for different component types. When a change is needed, the pre-configured parameters are loaded and applied without requiring physical tooling changes or process interruption, maintaining continuous productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A component feeding system includes a platform and a tray supported by the platform having a component support surface for supporting a plurality of components. An agitation unit is supported by the platform and is operatively coupled to the tray to agitate the tray to cause the components to move on the tray. A guidance system is supported by the platform and has a camera viewing the tray. A positioning system is supported by the platform and a component gripper is supported by the positioning system and moved by the positioning system relative to the tray. The component gripper is configured to pick and place components on the tray. A controller communicates with the agitation unit, the positioning system, the component gripper and the guidance system. The controller operates the agitation unit, the positioning system and the component gripper based on an image obtained by the camera.