Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
• Consider feeding parts. The use of vibratory bowl feeders or other types of
electromechanical feeder simplify the presentation and grasping of parts (Figure
17.11). Alternatively, magazines for parts or trays of parts can be used by the operator.
These devices were conceived for use in automated assembly. However, they are
equally practical for manual assembly. In fact, some companies use automation to feed
screws to human operators. The screws can be quite small and are difficult to grasp by
hand.
FACILITATE QUICK ASSEMBLY
• Use self-locating parts, such as parts with chamfers, notches, and guides for self-
location that simplify assembly (Figure 17.12). The use of chamfers, for example,
reduces the amount of manual precision required to insert the part. (The insertion time
with and without chamfers can be modeled using Fitts' law (Fitts and Posner, 1973).
• Reduce tolerances in part mating. Figure 17.13 illustrates how a slotted hole may be
used to simplify positioning and relax accuracy requirements.
FIGURE 17.12
Facilitate assembly by
using self-locating parts.
