Reconfigurable parts feeding system using arrayed vibratory units made by stereolithography

A new reconfigurable parts feeding system using arrayed vibratory units made by stereolithography has been developed and investigated. The parts feeding motion is achieved by vibration of an inclined pin grid array using piezoelectric actuators. Experiments on moving objects have been successfully performed. The vibratory unit has a large number of inclined pins, each a height of 3 mm and diameter of 0.5 mm. The motions of the parts feeding system has been demonstrated experimentally, and lifetime measurements demonstrated the long-term stability of the system. The functionality of the photopolymer resin pins is unaffected through 110 days continuous use.