Approximation to the dynamics of transported parts in a vibratory bowl feeder

The most typical procedure for creating flows of parts aimed at feeding a production unit is to use a vibratory bowl feeder. Feed rate and the capacity to move parts and to modify operational status in these feeders depend on a wide range of parameters, which, nonetheless, can be classified as one of three types: dynamic, geometric and electromagnetic. This work describes an approximate model for predicting the behaviour of a part in a vibratory bowl following a modification of parameters in any of the above three groups. The analysis is simplified by using numerical solutions obtained using a simple spreadsheet, which makes the procedure accessible to a wide range of users. Our results are presented in the form of a dynamic simulation using specific software. Finally, conclusions of this study are exposed.