Monodrive Two-Way Feeder

Operates in Half the Space with One-Third the Energy

NTN Corporation has developed the Monodrive Two-Way Feeder, a new parts feeder that greatly saves on space and energy. With up to 20% lower price, space savings of 50% or more and 33% less energy consumption, Monodrive is the ideal choice for small lot production cells.

Domestic automated assembly lines have now entered the age of small lot production due to a shift to overseas part manufacturing. The need for compact part feeders at lower prices is growing with the current trend toward the use of small scale-facilities.

Up to now, parts feeders combined cylindrical bowl feeders with linear feeders, aligning the parts by means of vibration and supplying parts to assembly devices. Using this method, there is a tendency for the bowl feeder installation space to increase. In response to the need for space savings, several firms have introduced the return feeders and drum feeders that do not use bowls. Nevertheless, these improved versions require multiple drive devices and controllers, resulting in higher costs. Moreover, problems arose due to limitations on alignment mechanisms and maintenance. This created a need for feeders that were reasonable in price, compact and easier to use.

NTN solves this problem by mounting a leaf spring unit on the existing linear feeder to convert the direction of vibration. This makes it possible to generate reverse vibration simultaneously in the align/supply section and the return section using a single drive source and controller. A parts feeder that allows parts storage, alignment and supply with a single linear feeder unit is an industry first. The structure is simple, and the equipment is amazingly easy to maintain, offering an outstanding ease of use.

Features

• A single linear feeder vibrates the transfer chute in two directions (alignment/supply side, return side).
• Major reduction in required space (about half the area of a bowl feeder).
• Reasonably priced (approximately 20% less than bowl-type feeders).
• Requires only a single vibration source for lighter weight and energy-saving (less than one-third consumed electrical power).
• Simple configuration makes it ideal for small cell production.

A single linear feeder vibrates the transfer chute in two directious.(alignment/supply side, return side)	Conventional bowl-type parts feeder requires multiple drive devices and controlls.
Comparison of installation space for Monodrive and conventional unit 1/2 or less