Investigation on the conveying velocity of a linear vibratory feeder while handling bulk-sized small parts

This paper deals with investigation of the behavior of a linear vibratory feeder, used for conveying small parts. A rotating drum with radial fins is designed and developed for carrying out experimental investigations. A tumbling barrel hopper is used for feeding the components onto the track. Special baffles are used for positioning the parts on the track. A linear vibrator is used for conveying the parts through the feed track. This track can be changed depending on the geometry of the components being conveyed. The parameters affecting the feed rate and conveying velocity are the barrel dimension, amplitude and angle of vibration, coefficient of friction, and the operating frequency. A mathematical model is developed to predict the conveying velocity under the influence of these parameters. It is observed that the actual measured values of feed rate and conveying velocity are in good agreement with those predicted by the proposed model.