Automatic Syringe Mechanical Power Transmission Improvements

Abstract

A company that manufactures medical devices, and which is located in the south of Puerto Rico, is presenting problems in a high-speed automatic syringe inspection line. The syringes are transported through conveyor lines which are having several failures with the mechanical power transmission components such as the couplings. A Finite Element Analysis showed that disproportionate torque forces created stresses that exceeded the yield point of stainless steel, therefore, causing failure of the couplings. Four possible solutions were developed; these solutions range from purely mechanical torque protection to digital monitoring of the torque in a jam. The most protective and reliable design for replacing the actual system at low implementation cost and complexity is the spider coupling with torque limiter. This system will also add a complete protective system to the motor, conveyor components and will guarantee the elimination of the current potential 39K losses in manufactured units per conveyor. Key Terms ⎯ Coupling, Design, Shaft, Torque.