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07/05/2003
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Hours can be spent looking for the right part in a muddled environment
 Problem: . And if slightly different but similarly looking parts get mixed up, the chances of a final assembly working are low to non- existent.
Solution: Following on from its successful 'Assemblymate' (Eureka October 2001) Concept Automated Systems in Whitstable has received a second DTI SMART Award and used it to develop its 'Rotostore' automated storage system.
Parts are stored in ten bins on ten independent tables mounted vertically above each other. The idea is that initiating a product instruction number leads to the tables rotating to present the correct bins to front. Displays indicate how many, if any, components should be taken from each bin level. After completing a pick operation, the bin tables are rotated to a home position.
Positions are established using proximity switches and laser cut rings. Unlike the Assemblymate, which uses Eurotherm servo drives and motors, the Rotostore uses Panasonic motors and Lenze inverters and a Mitsubishi plc. Instructions are downloaded from spreadsheets.
Applications: The Rotostore looks rather like a chocolate vending machine, but managing director Martin Hills told Eureka that typical applications are the assembly of mobile phone and medical kits. Future developments are expected to include reading or barcodes, integration with stock control systems, and graphical displays. TS
Concept Automated Systems
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Author
Tom Shelley
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