Eriez 65-B Vibratory Feeder Tray Redesign

2021-MET

The objectives of this project were to evaluate the existing feeder tray design with the increased stroke length and implement changes to the original design to improve the tray.

 

Team Members

Ben Marriner | Alex Huston | Travis Foraker Jr. | Lee Downey |

Project Poster

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Project Summary

 

Overview

The main objective of the Vibratory Feeder Redesign was to increase the stroke size on the existing 65-B feeder tray from 0.07” to 0.09”. The purpose of increasing the stroke length was to be able to move more material with the tray during its operation. Our group was tasked with evaluating the tray with the increased stroke length and analyzing the stresses that accompany this increased stroke. The existing design was found to be satisfactory. The secondary goal was to optimize the tray design to minimize stresses due to the increased stroke. To achieve this, the team added T bracket supports welded at high stress areas along the tray.

Objectives

  • Evaluate the existing feeder tray design with the increased stroke length  
  • Implement changes to the original design to improve the tray

Approach

  • The team discussed and identified the project objectives with Eriez to increase stroke length 
  • Decided on product design criteria constraints with Eriez
  • Worked with product information and CAD files provided by Eriez
  • Verified original model with provided values using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in ANSYS 
  • Developed potential solutions to solve problem, potential redesigns considered changes in material, thicker welds, tray size, and supporting gussets
  • Evaluated potential solutions in ANSYS, weighed pros and cons of solutions based on stress levels/durability, cost, natural frequency, and weight
  • Decided that the gusseted tray design was the best option
  • Checked FEA results with manual calculations to ensure accuracy of computed result

Outcomes

  • Eriez’s existing 65B feeder tray is able to survive the higher stroke
  • The new design used T-bar supports that are available pre made commercially
  • The supports are welded in order to avoid issues that can arise when using nuts and bolts or rivets
  • With the redesign, the stress levels are approximately the same as the original design with the shorter stroke
  • The redesign increases the long term durability of the tray vs. the original model
  • Production costs were minimized by using standard parts and materials already in use by Eriez