A computer-aided framework for the selection and sequencing of orientating devices for the vibratory bowl feeder

Correct part orientation has been the key to many successful automation applications, and often vibratory bowls were used. Traditionally, the design and tooling of the vibratory bowls are limited to a group of skilled experts. In this paper a feature-based framework for the automatic selection and sequencing of orientating devices is presented. A direct link between part representation and the selection and sequencing of modular orientating devices is provided by a spatial technique, in place of traditional CAD representation. Also described is the classification of a part's orientating features and classification of orientating devices. These two classifications are integrated into a knowledge-based system that will automatically generate sequences of modular orientating devices.