Konceptframtagning av matarenhet

Abstract

In this report, the work of improving a feeder unit will be covered. The unit is used in the manufacturing of saw blades where the unit's task is to feed the blade through the various steps in the production process. The saw blade is gripped between driven wheels which are pressed against each other by means of compressed air. The hub of the wheel moves along a groove in the units chassis and in this way the wheels can be pressed against each other. Problems have arisen regarding the movement of the hubs, where it is difficult to maintain tolerances in the manufacturing process, partly due to surface treatment. Another problem has been the accumulation of contaminants in and around the surfaces on which the hub slides, which causes further disturbances in the customer's production. In addition to finding solutions to these problems, there is an effort to reduce the manufacturing cost of the unit. This is done, among other things, by reducing the number of components and designing components in such a way that they are easier to manufacture. Different types of concepts will be weighed against each other in several steps to finally arrive at a concept that is ready for testing. As a solution to the aforementioned problems, a concept is presented in which the sliding mechanism has been moved closer to the wheels and equipped with a system for lubrication. The tolerances of the sliding mechanism have been made independent of surface treatment by separating the mechanism from the chassis. The number of parts in the new design has been kept to a minimum by assigning as many functions as possible to each component at every opportunity.