College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 3
College of Engineering
Department - Author 3
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 3
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 4
College of Engineering
Department - Author 4
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 4
BS in Mechanical Engineering
Date
6-2020
Primary Advisor
Peter Schuster, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
A machine design was created to partially automate the rundown and torque of a Fox Factory shock bearing housing. This machine is needed at the factory to keep line associates safe by reducing ergonomic strains associated with this stage in the shock assembly process. Due to the lack of applicable torque drivers for this operation, an open ended, geared drivetrain was designed to allow for engagement of the bearing housing while allowing clearance for the shock shaft that the bearing rides on. This open drivetrain is held by a structure of linear rails and bearings to allow the line associate to guide the open gear into place on the bearing. A pneumatic cylinder and several rail brakes will be used to press the bearing housing into the shock body tube while beginning the rundown process. A control system consisting of a PLC, HMI, and torque driver controller was designed in terms of wiring & programming to control torque and pneumatic outputs. At each stage in the design process, safety and ergonomics were considered so the machine would satisfy the first and second design principle for the Fox manufacturing engineering department: safety and quality, respectively. Basic analysis for component strength and stiffness was performed where any concerns were present, and a maintenance schedule was created for any potential wear items. While the original intent was to manufacture and assemble nearly all machine components in house, parts were instead outsourced by Fox due to various factors stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/552