Vibratory Bowl Feeder
A vibration mechanism that moves screws and nuts using a pulsing magnet. The foundation of a parts sorter.
What It Is
Getting parts to move themselves.
This was my final project for intro to electronics at Wesleyan. A vibratory bowl feeder uses controlled vibration to move small parts like screws and nuts in a circular path, orienting them for automated sorting. Instead of a motor, this one uses a pulsing electromagnet to generate the vibration. I built and validated the vibrating base plate: parts placed on it move correctly with the vibration. The bowl that would have sat on top was never fabricated, but the core mechanism works.
How It Works
01
Pulse
An electromagnet pulses at a controlled frequency, generating vibration throughout the base plate structure.
02
Move
The vibration causes screws and nuts placed on the base plate to travel in a circular path, the same motion a full bowl would harness.
03
Orient
The bowl geometry, had it been fabricated, would guide parts into a consistent orientation as they travel upward toward the exit.
The Build
Actuation
Pulsing electromagnet generates vibration without a motor or rotating parts.
Base Plate
Custom fabricated metal plate that transmits vibration to parts placed on its surface.
Fabrication
Metal parts fabricated by the Wesleyan machine shop from engineering drawings.
Status
Vibrating base plate built and validated. Parts move correctly on the plate. Bowl not fabricated.
Engineering Drawings
Electromagnet holder drawing, fabricated by Wesleyan machine shop
Electromagnetic plate drawing, fabricated by Wesleyan machine shop
Built With
Design
Fabrication
Built as a final project for intro to electronics at Wesleyan University.
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