Part dynamics in the intermediate regime of a linear vibratory feeder

Linear vibratory feeder is one of the most extensively used part feeding systems in a production line. The part motion on the feeder can be sliding or hopping or a combination of these two. Based on the dynamics of part motion this paper identifies three distinct regimes. A mathematical model was developed that can predict the trend in conveying velocity in these regimes. This model can provide the parts position as a function of time and has considered relative displacement between the part and the conveying surface. The simulation was validated by performing experiments for a range of vibration frequencies and amplitudes.

Adaptive aerodynamic part feeding enabled by genetic algorithm

Aerodynamic feeding systems represent one possibility to meet the challenges of part feeding for automated production in terms of feeding performance and flexibility. The aerodynamic feeding system investigated in this article is already able to adapt itself to different workpieces using a genetic algorithm. However, due to the operating principle, the system is susceptible to changes in environmental conditions such as air pressure and pollution (e.g. dust). To minimise the effect of ambient influences, the system must be enabled to detect changes in the feeding rate and react autonomously by adapting the system’s adjustment parameters. In this work, based on pre-identified factors interfering with the aerodynamic orientation process, a new approach is developed to react to changes of the ambient conditions during operation. The presented approach makes us of an alternating sequence of monitoring and corrective algorithms. The monitoring algorithm measures the ratio of correctly oriented parts to the total number of fed parts of the process and triggers the corrective algorithm if necessary. Simulated and experimental results both show that an increased feeding rate can be achieved in varying conditions. Furthermore, it is shown that integrating both known process and parameter information can reduce the time for re-parametrisation of the feeding system.

A performance model for mobile robot-based part feeding systems to supermarkets

In a context where companies are striving to produce highly customised goods in small batches and within short lead times, increasing attention is being put on the design and management of part feeding systems. This research is the first to model automated part feeding to supermarkets in a factory environment, considering an innovative technology called vertical robotic storage and retrieval systems. This technology allows automating the storage, picking, and internal transportation activities in an integrated process, thanks to rack-climbing robots roaming in both the shop floor and the storage racks. We develop an analytical model based on the queuing network approach to analyse the system performance, and we use it to perform numerical experiments and to evaluate the design trade-offs with reference to a real case in the automotive industry. Results show that an increase in the number of robots leads to better performance since the positive impact on the response time is stronger than the negative impact on the waiting times of robots at the supermarkets due to congestion. Furthermore, a configuration with multiple small supermarkets improves the efficiency of the replenishment process, compared to a setting with few big supermarkets.

Application of a Standardized Design Procedure in the Development of Automated Micro-assembly Processes

Automated precision assembly of e.g. optical systems requires development efforts in manifold domains, such as part feeding, handling, alignment, bonding and quality control. The use of systematic design procedure enables the rapid and complete development of new applications and use cases using existing equipment. Combined with modular equipment and subsystems, the use of a standardized design process significantly reduces development time and therefore costs. A generic methodology based on the functional decomposition of assembly task requirements and a coherent synthesis of functional process building blocks can be an answer to reduced process ramp-up time, more stable processes and enable concurrent engineering for novel tool and process development.