Efficient Material Handling: A Novel Adaptive Gating System for Small and Irregular Parts

Authors

  • Mohan Arumugam Department of Mechanical Engineering, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, India
  • Prabukarthi Arumugam Department of Mechanical Engineering, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, India
  • Suresh Mayilswamy Department of Robotics and Automation Engineering, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, India
  • Udhayakumar Sadasivam Department of Mechanical Engineering, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23055/ijietap.2024.31.3.9533

Keywords:

Assembly automation, adaptive trap module, material handling, image processing

Abstract

In the automotive industry, efficient handling of small and irregular components is imperative for production optimization. Traditional methods involving labor or robotic systems can lead to increased costs. The research introduces an innovative, dynamic gating system, integrating a camera module with computing intelligence to process images and orient parts effectively in linear feeders. Theoretical and experimental results validate the most preferred orientation, with orientations 1 and 2 from group 1 identified as the optimum resting positions. The use of both the Markov model and a hidden Markov model in trap module design yields a robust outcome, effectively attaining the necessary part orientation. The dynamic part feeding system is optimized for frequencies of 45 and 50 Hz with trap angles of 30° from the experimental study. The study quantifies efficiency gains, demonstrating that the proposed system outperforms manual or robotic methods. This study offers a quantitative and comprehensive solution for assembling and packaging small and irregular components in the automotive sector.

Author Biographies

Prabukarthi Arumugam, Department of Mechanical Engineering, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, India

Dr Prabukarthi Arumugam is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at PSG College of Technology in Coimbatore, India. He holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering as well as a master's degree in Manufacturing Engineering. In 2018, he received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Anna University. His current research is focused on advanced manufacturing technology, Machining of Ti-CFRP stacks, Composite Machining, and Industrial automation. He has more than 14 years of academic and research experience. He has roughly 30+ technical publications to his name, published in refereed and impact factored international journals, national journals, international conferences, and national conferences.

 

 

Suresh Mayilswamy, Department of Robotics and Automation Engineering, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, India

Dr Suresh Mayilswamy is an Associate Professor at PSG College of Technology in Coimbatore, India, in the Department of Robotics and Automation Engineering. He holds a bachelor's degree in Mechatronics Engineering as well as a master's degree in Computer Integrated Manufacturing. In 2014, he received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Anna University. His current research is centred on advanced manufacturing technology that employs robots. He has more than ten years of academic and research experience. He has roughly 73 technical publications to his name, published in refereed and impact factored international journals, national journals, international conferences, and national conferences. In his fields of interest, he has written three books. He has reviewed for Science Direct, Springer, ACTA Press, and other publications.

 

Udhayakumar Sadasivam, Department of Mechanical Engineering, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, India

Dr Udhayakumar  Sadasivam is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at PSG College of Technology in Coimbatore, India. He holds a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master's degree in Manufacturing Engineering. He obtained his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Anna University in 2014. Energy harvesting, low-cost automation, Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation are among his current research interests. He has over 15 years of expertise in academia and research. He has over 70 scientific articles in refereed and impact factored international journals, national journals, international conferences, and national conferences to his credit. He has also applied for four patents. He has engaged in DST, AICTE, and UGC-sponsored research projects.

 

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Published

2024-06-17

How to Cite

Mohan Arumugam, Arumugam, P., Mayilswamy, S., & Sadasivam, U. (2024). Efficient Material Handling: A Novel Adaptive Gating System for Small and Irregular Parts. International Journal of Industrial Engineering: Theory, Applications and Practice, 31(3). https://doi.org/10.23055/ijietap.2024.31.3.9533

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 3 (2024)

Section

Logistics and Material Handling

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