Vibratory Component Distribution with Segmented Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch component distribution systems in automatic assembly installations are unreliable due to component accumulation and jamming, leading to manual intervention and increased production costs from components not being correctly gripped by the gripping arm, resulting in losses.
Innovation Solution
A vibrating device with interconnected compartments and inclined planes, a supply platform, and an articulated gripping arm, along with a sorting/selection device using air flow and guide portions to orient and grip components correctly, reducing manual intervention and losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a vibratory bowl feeder with ramp and feed channel is used to distribute watch components, then components can be automatically fed to the assembly machine, but components accumulate on the ramp or in the feed channel causing jams and system malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The vibratory device is divided into multiple compartments (first compartment for bulk storage, second compartment for controlled feeding) separated by a transfer zone. This segmentation prevents component accumulation by creating distinct functional zones, allowing reliable automatic feeding without jams.
Solution Approach 2:
Components are pre-oriented on the inclined plane before entering the feed channel. The inclination and vibration pattern prepare components in advance by aligning them properly, preventing accumulation and ensuring smooth transfer to the assembly machine.
2Adaptability or versatility
If components are slightly oiled or have imperfect geometry, then they can be handled by the vibratory bowl feeder, but this causes excessive accumulation and requires manual intervention to restore operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages component flow through vibration control and compartment design, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The vibratory mechanism self-regulates to prevent accumulation even with oiled or imperfect components, maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibratory device uses dynamic vibration patterns that adapt to component conditions. By controlling vibration frequency and amplitude, the system handles varied component states (oiled, imperfect geometry) while maintaining steady flow and preventing accumulation.
3Ease of operation
If the gripping arm does not correctly grip components, then components fall outside the vibratory bowl, but this results in significant component losses and increased production costs
Solution Approach 1:
Components are pre-oriented and positioned correctly on the inclined plane before being presented to the gripping arm. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the gripping arm operates, components are already in the correct orientation, minimizing missed grips and component losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect component presence and orientation on the inclined plane, providing feedback to control the gripping arm timing. This ensures the gripping arm only activates when a component is properly positioned, preventing losses from incorrect gripping.
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
Improves the reliability and efficiency of component distribution by optimizing circulation and sorting, minimizing losses and damage, and ensuring systematic recovery of components not gripped by the articulated arm.
Implementation Method 1
a vibratory device into which said components are introduced in bulk, which is provided with first and second compartments connected at their ends by first and second passage zones of this device so as to form a closed circuit in which the components are likely to circulate
Implementation Method 2
said vibrating device comprising first and second inclined planes in opposite directions included respectively in the first and second compartments, said components being capable of traveling along the first and second inclined planes towards a feeding platform
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a controlled distribution system (1) for components (2), particularly watch components, for an automatic assembly installation (100) of all or part of a component made from at least one of these components (2), particularly a watch component. The system (1) comprises: - a vibrating device (3) into which said components (2) are introduced in bulk, which is provided with first and second compartments (4a, 4b) connected at their ends by first and second passage zones (5a, 5b) of this device (3) so as to form a closed circuit in which the components (2) are able to circulate, and - an articulated gripping arm (10) provided for distributing said components (2) to said automatic assembly installation (100). The vibrating device (3) comprises first and second inclined planes (6a, 6b) in opposite directions included respectively in the first and second compartments (4a, 5b).4b), said components (2) being capable of traveling along the first and second inclined planes (6a, 6b) towards a feeding platform (8) on which at least one component (2) is capable of being placed in preparation for its grasping by the articulated gripping arm (10), said feeding platform (8) being located in the second compartment (4b) at an exit (S) of the second inclined plane (6b).