Design of a modular feeder for optimal operating performance

Flexible feeding technology is one of the main challenges in modern assembly systems. A promising approach is a new modular feeding system, which was developed at the iwb. This paper presents a method to ensure an optimal operating performance of the new feeder at single or double line frequency. Hereby, the modular system's natural frequencies are adjusted adequately during the development phase by adapting the masses and inertias of the relevant components. This is done with the aid of a structural mechanical model of the modular feeding system, which is derived and verified on a product-neutral basic set-up. Finally, the application of the model during the development phase of the modular feeder is presented. (C) 2010 CIRP.