Problem Statement
The goal of this project was to develop an automated vertical loading machine to pull a stent graft assembly into a long tubular delivery system. The challenge is to maintain the relative positions of the separate parts of the stent assembly during the loading process.
Features the client wanted for this machine were part mismatch detection, full control of the automated pull cycle via machine recipes and continuous tension monitoring. This machine would be replacing the client's current lengthy bench-top fixture and it was desired to minimize the machine's footprint as much as possible. The client provided the stent assembly, delivery tube and funnel.
Features the client wanted for this machine were part mismatch detection, full control of the automated pull cycle via machine recipes and continuous tension monitoring. This machine would be replacing the client's current lengthy bench-top fixture and it was desired to minimize the machine's footprint as much as possible. The client provided the stent assembly, delivery tube and funnel.
Solution & Results
The final product of this project was two configurations of an automated loading machine 36in wide, 24in deep. Both configurations use a custom loading rod attached to a tension sensor to hold one end of the stent assembly while an actuator pulls a funnel and delivery tube over the assembly to a precise location. A series of pneumatic grippers secure the components of the stent assembly throughout the loading operation. These grippers are mounted on a linear rail to maximize the amount of time the components are secured during a load before they are carried up the length of the machine. Recipe functionality on the touchscreen HMI allows process engineers to precisely control the position and velocity profiles of the moving stage that sleeves the tube over the stent during a loading process. Tension data for each run is logged on to a USB hard drive and displayed as a real-time trend on the HMI. A laser micrometer inspects the diameter of the tube to be loaded and a color sensor verifies the installed funnel against a lookup table to prevent operator's from loading the wrong combination of parts.
The initial scope of the project was one machine of each configuration, however the client returned and we have since built a total of five automated vertical loaders. This is the highest selling machine at CKC Engineering. Three machines have been deployed to manufacturing facilities overseas and the other two are currently being used at the client's research laboratory.
The initial scope of the project was one machine of each configuration, however the client returned and we have since built a total of five automated vertical loaders. This is the highest selling machine at CKC Engineering. Three machines have been deployed to manufacturing facilities overseas and the other two are currently being used at the client's research laboratory.