1. Automatic Part Feeder for Bishop Steering Technology Joel Gray Dan Howk Jessica Rodgers May 4, 2004

2. Project History Sleeve Ring Assembly Machine Sleeve Ring Assembly Machine –Human operator –Would benefit from automation Project Presented Project Presented –Lubricate –Load

3. Requirements Customer Customer –Load two types of ring seals –Reject defective rings –Operate at reasonable rate –Jam infrequently –Machine cost must be reasonable Engineering Engineering –Quantifies customer requirements

4. Targets Engineering Engineering –Load Teflon and O-rings with varying diameter of 1 +/- 0.25 inches. –Ensure 100% of twisted rings do not enter SRAM –120 sleeves assembled per hour –Zero jams per shift –$22,000 budget

5. The Inspiration Challenge of loading four vertical rings at same time Challenge of loading four vertical rings at same time “The Pringles Can” “The Pringles Can” –Five plates –Four spring loaded flaps –Arms release and reset

6. Overall Process

7. Sub-systems Greenfield Feeders, Inc. Greenfield Feeders, Inc. –Vibratory bowl, dampening stand, and hopper Miltec Miltec –Conveyor belt, lubrication module

8. Sub-systems Pringles can system Pringles can system –Flaps –Control Shaft –Cocking Mechanism –Latches –Pusher One –Stationary Block –Pusher Two

11. Finite Element Analysis

12. APF Custom bowl allows for 1,000 rings to be stored Custom bowl allows for 1,000 rings to be stored –Allows for longer autonomous run time –Or more sleeves per hour at faster rate Proper part loading Proper part loading –Set up and jam clearing times below target values –Zero jams per shift (statistically insignificant) Total cost of $16,800 Total cost of $16,800

13. Conclusion Reliable mechanical system Reliable mechanical system Meets or exceeds all targets Meets or exceeds all targets Affordable cost Affordable cost Increase in efficiency Increase in efficiency

14. Conclusion Reliable mechanical system Reliable mechanical system Meets or exceeds all targets Meets or exceeds all targets Affordable cost Affordable cost Increase in efficiency Increase in efficiency Problem Solved

15. Questions