Automated Loading of Dual Disk Grinder
Sponsor: Ingersoll Rand - Tool and Hoist Division
Course: ME415 Fall 2000   Instructor: Prof. A. Belegundu
Team: Peter Broman, Joel Newhard, Justin Ledger, Justin Brumber, Joe Dougherty

Problem Statement The project task is to automate the loading of a Gardner Dual Disk Grinder (shown to left) for Ingersoll-Rand.  Small steel objects, called hammers, are produced for use in the Ingersoll-Rand impact wrenches.  These hammers are used to generate motion within the transmission case of the wrench.  Because the operation of these hammers is essential, it is important that they be manufactured correctly.  Part of this manufacturing process calls for the grinding of both sides of this hammer.  This grinding eliminates unwanted surface defects, thus increasing the fatigue life of the hammer.  Currently, an operator hand feeds these parts into the grinder.  However, I-R wishes to automate the process. Potential Benefits Operator will be freed up to perform other tasks Increase efficiency of employee Results in lower net cost to produce hammers Decrease chance of injuries to employee suchs as abrasions and carpel tunnel syndrome Increased operating speed of the dual disk grinder to maximum capacity Customer Requirements Ability to continuously run for 30 minutes without reloading parts Human Factors Easy to load parts Easy to fix mishandled part Interface with Grinder Does not impede grinder wheel Easily removable Light Weight Low Cost Summary Parts successfully oriented using center-of-mass gating system Parts slide into stack easily Placement of parts from stack into wheel successfully accomplished 12/8/00 jsl