Our project aimed to improve an inefficient manufacturing process at Cornell Pump Company. The device we designed is capable of seating an elastomeric seal in an aluminum plate in under 40 seconds, which is a 300% increase in efficiency compared to Cornell's current manual installation methods. The device features a pizza-cutter style installer wheel attached to a pivoting arm and powered by two NEMA stepper motors. The installer process is controlled by an Arduino using programmed instructions specially designed to successfully install the seal in under 60 seconds. Ultimately, this project increased operator safety and work cell ergonomics by eliminating the manual method of installation and replacing it with a semi-automated process. These results are estimated to save the company up to $30,000 in labor costs and greatly reduce wasted motion in the assembly work cell.
Subject: workcell ergonomics, semi-automated machine, assembly, assembly process, manufacturing improvement, mechanical engineering, process improvement, injury reduction, lean manufacturing
