Aerodynamic Feeding 4.1: Simulation Based Parameter Selection for a Flexible Part Feeding Prototype

This work develops on the concept for an aerodynamic feeding system with higher flexibility (regarding the workpiece geometry) and drastically reduced retooling times compared to conventional feeding. The proposed design uses multiple, individually controllable air nozzles to re-orient workpieces. However, appropriate nozzle and feeder parameters would need to be selected before a physical prototype can be built. Design of Experiments is used to identify relevant parameters of the feeding process and minimize the number of simulations. Ideally the parameter selection would maintain high flexibility and low retooling times ensuring that aerodynamic part feeding can maintain personalization at minimal costs.