Abstract

VAN WYK, A.J.; SNYMAN, J.A.  and  HEYNS, P.S.. Optimization of a vibratory conveyor for reduced support reaction forces. R&D j. (Matieland, Online) [online]. 1994, vol.10, pp.12-17. ISSN 2309-8988.

Simple vibratory conveyors, consisting of a horizontal table supported by vertical helical springs, are of the most versatile material handling equipment in industry. A disadvantage of these conveyors is the transmission of dynamic forces to the supporting structure. A design of such a conveyor may be optimized with respect to the transmission of dynamic forces through the adjustment of various design parameters. In this study the positions at which the springs are attached to the table are taken as the design variables. The optimization procedure involves the mathematical modelling of the dynamic behaviour of the system, which allows for the computation of a so-called transmission function which is a measure of the dynamic forces transmitted, and which may be minimized with respect to the design variables. The computed optimum design gives reductions of more than 20% in the value of the transmission function, when compared to that of two arbitrary initial designs.

        · text in English     · English ( pdf )