O-Ring Assembly Automation

This Automated Assembly System was designed to assemble o-ring assemblies for a customer located in Indianapolis, IN. As can be seen here, the product consists of a rounded pin inserted into a cylindrical socket, where the pin is retained with a rubber o-ring. Individual components are fed into the system via vibratory feeder bowls. First, a socket is introduced into the system. Here, a through-beam sensor verifies that a part is in position, signaling a pneumatic actuator to present the part. A 2-axis pick and place picks the part from the escapement and places it onto a 6-position dial table. In the next station, an o-ring is introduced into the system. Again, a through-beam sensor verifies that a part is in position, and signals a pneumatic escapement to present the part. A mandrel, mounted on a 2-axis slide system, is used to pick the o-ring. The mandrel advances into the escapement, collapsing inside the ID of the o-ring. As the mandrel retracts, it expands, pulling out an o-ring. The mandrel and o-ring advance horizontally. Simultaneously, a funnel mechanism advances towards an empty socket, forming a tight seal that guides the o-ring during assembly. The mandrel advances into the socket, collapsing into the funnel, and forcing the o-ring into the socket. The détente on the ID of the socket holds the o-ring while the mandrel and funnel retract. In the final assembly step, a robot picks a rounded pin from an escapement. Here, the escapement functions the same as the socket and o-ring escapements. A through-beam sensor verifies that a part is in position, and a pneumatic escapement presents the part. The robot performs a simple six-axis motion to insert the pin into the o-ring/socket sub-assembly. The robot lifts the assembled product off the dial table, and passes the socket through a through-beam sensor, to ensure that the assembly was successful. The robot drops the finished product into an out-feed chute for post-processing and packaging. This machine processes one part every 7 seconds. For more information about Compass Automation, please visit us at http://www.compass-automation.com [email protected] 847-426-6696