Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Need Identification and Analysis
- 3 Need Identification and Analysis Case Study: Packing Factor of Sand in Electrical Fuses
- 4 Introduction to Parameter Analysis
- 5 Parameter Analysis Put to Work
- 6 Conceptual Design Case Study: HVAC Airflow Sensor
- 7 Conceptual Design Case Study: Cut-Edge Sensor for Flooring Removal
- 8 Conceptual Design Case Study: Low-Cost Industrial Indexing Systems
- 9 Conceptual Design Case Study: Equal-Channel-Angular-Extrusion Metalworking
- 10 Need Analysis and Conceptual Design Case Study: “Ball Mover”
- 11 Technology Observation
- 12 Conclusion
- Index
8 - Conceptual Design Case Study: Low-Cost Industrial Indexing Systems
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 14 January 2010
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Need Identification and Analysis
- 3 Need Identification and Analysis Case Study: Packing Factor of Sand in Electrical Fuses
- 4 Introduction to Parameter Analysis
- 5 Parameter Analysis Put to Work
- 6 Conceptual Design Case Study: HVAC Airflow Sensor
- 7 Conceptual Design Case Study: Cut-Edge Sensor for Flooring Removal
- 8 Conceptual Design Case Study: Low-Cost Industrial Indexing Systems
- 9 Conceptual Design Case Study: Equal-Channel-Angular-Extrusion Metalworking
- 10 Need Analysis and Conceptual Design Case Study: “Ball Mover”
- 11 Technology Observation
- 12 Conclusion
- Index
Summary
This chapter describes low cost and flexibility as two key requirements in the design of a new drive system for a mechanical indexer. Need analysis helps to generate two key insights into the design task. Based on these two insights, two competing designs are developed using the parameter analysis methodology to address the requirements. A detailed discussion of technical issues involved in realizing these concepts is presented. Both of the designs were built and tested for performance.
The Initial Need
Indexing systems are often used in industry to incrementally move products along an automated line and stop them at predetermined workstations. At these workstations, people or machines perform assigned tasks, such as welding or assembly of components. Two common technologies for producing incremental motion are servo drives and mechanical indexers. Servo drives employ a dc motor, speed reducer, clutch–brake system, sensors, and electrical controls. They are highly flexible in the sense that they can accommodate changes in the product line by adjusting the timing sequence for various activities. In contrast, mechanical indexers constitute rigid automation. They use a continuously running electric motor, speed reducer, clutch–brake system, and indexer unit. The indexer unit converts the constant input motion of the electric motor into intermittent output motion (linear or rotary) by using a cam–follower mechanism. Both of these indexing technologies are expensive.
Market research has indicated that there is a need for flexible, yet moderately priced, indexing systems.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Innovative Conceptual DesignTheory and Application of Parameter Analysis, pp. 137 - 156Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2001