Bowl Feeders to feed and handle Mop Sockets and Clips

Project Overview

RNA Automation developed two vibratory bowl feeding systems to feed and orientate mop sockets and clips. Each system was specified to deliver component parts in a consistent, single-file orientation at 12 parts per minute, ready for downstream handling.

The solution incorporates vibratory bowl feeders, linear out-feeds and sensor-controlled feeding to support a continuous, controlled supply of components.

The Challenge

● Maintaining consistent orientation for sockets and clips with different geometries.
● Feeding components in single file at a controlled rate.
● Accommodating two socket variants within the feeding process.
● Delivering straight clips
● Providing sufficient overfeed to maintain a consistent component supply.

The Solution

RNA supplied two vibratory bowl feeder systems, each incorporating a tooled stainless steel bowl feeder and linear out-feed.
The bowl feeders are designed to sort and orientate component parts before transferring them onto linear tracks. High-level sensors control bowl operation to maintain a consistent supply of correctly orientated components.

Bowl Feeder for Mop Sockets

Product:

Mop sockets (2 variants)

Orientation:

Components discharged in single file, flat side lowermost, with the stem upwards and tab to the left-hand side.

Speed:

12 components per minute, with sufficient overfeed to ensure a consistent feed rate.

Scope of Supply:

● Vibratory bowl feeder
● Linear out-feed
● Camera inspection

Key features:

● Stainless steel 304 conical bowl
● Black polyurethane bowl lining
● Approximately 1,000 mm linear out-feed track
● Sensor-controlled feeding with ESK 2001 controller
● Zinc-plated mild steel sub-frame

Bowl Feeder for Mop Clips

Product:

Mop clips

Orientation:

Components discharged in single file, flat side down, with pips uppermost.

Speed:

12 components per minute, with sufficient overfeed to ensure a consistent feed rate.

Scope of Supply:

● Vibratory bowl feeder
● Linear out-feed

Key features:

● Stainless steel 304 conical bowl
● Black polyurethane bowl lining
● Approximately 1,000 mm linear out-feed track
● Sensor-controlled feeding with ESK 2001 controller
● Zinc-plated mild steel sub-frame

Bowl Feeder for Mop Sockets

Linear Outfeed

Camera Inspection

Bowl Feeder for Mop Clips

The Results

The feeding systems were designed to provide:

• Consistent component orientation: Dedicated tooling to present sockets and clips in the required positions.
• Controlled feeding: A specified output of 12 components per minute for each system.
• Continuous component supply: Sensor-controlled bowl operation to maintain the required feed level.
• Integration-ready out-feeds: Linear tracks to transfer orientated components towards downstream handling equipment.

The application demonstrates how vibratory bowl feeding technology can accommodate different component geometries while maintaining controlled, repeatable orientation for subsequent production processes.

RNA Automation’s expertise in feeding and handling systems ensures each solution is optimised for both performance and reliability in demanding production environments.