The work aims at the optimization of the output feed rate of a Stationary Hook Hopper Feeder so that the best possible set of parameters affecting it can be selected to get the desired output. For this purpose the effect of various parameters on the feeder output is studied. To facilitate the study and detailed analysis, a statistical model is constructed which is used to predict and optimize the performance of the system. Efficient feed rate optimization determines the input variable settings to adjust the feed rate of the feeder according to the consumption of the parts in the next phase of production. The Stationary Hook Hopper Feeder, whose performance is to be studied, consists of a rotating circular plate and a guiding hook fixed at the centre and running up to the periphery of the plate. As the plate rotates, the parts follow the trajectory of the hook, orient themselves and then eventually are delivered through the delivery chute, tangentially to the plate. The factors influencing the feeder’s performance include the speed of rotation of the disc, the population of the parts in the hopper and the size of parts to be fed. A series of experiments is performed on the three process parameters to investigate their effect on the feed rate. To study the interaction among the factors a full 23 factorial experiment approach has been adopted using the two basic principles of experimental design-replication and randomization. The process model was formulated based on Analysis of variance (ANOVA) using Minitab® statistical package. The outcome is represented graphically and in the form of empirical model which defines the performance characteristics of the Stationary Hook Hopper Feeder.
