Client: Aisin North Carolina | Location: Durham, NC
The client requested a solution at one assembly line to store parts on a temporary basis, where it would be delivered with an AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle). Once the availability to process those parts arises, the AGV will collect them from the temporary storage conveyor. A segment of this conveyor system needs to communicate to the ASRS (Auto Storage and Retrieval system) to store the parts on racks.
SNAI began initial research to provide the best solution for both the mechanical and automation control needs, and presented a concept to the client’s approval. This solution involved multiple conveyors to transfer inlet and outlet part totes. An RFID reader was installed to identify the part type and send identification to the following processes such as ASRS. To make this process smooth and continuous, the SNAI team designed these conveyors with stoppers to direct the flow wherever they are needed.
To deliver these parts smoothly to the ASRS, the conveyor was required to lift parts at the end of the conveyor, so that the ASRS can pick up the parts with ease. To answer this challenge, the SNAI team designed a pneumatic-powered lifter station at the end of the conveyor to raise the parts to the specified height, and picked up by the ASRS.
SNAI integrated the PLC program to communicate with third party AGVs to deliver and retrieve part totes from each conveyor. The entire conveyor system is connected through an ANDON (part monitoring) system. Every update, such as the status of the machine, number of parts made, remaining parts needed per shift, or call for maintenance is displayed through the ANDON monitor for the production team to initiate the corrective actions.