Mechanism in action
Testing after production unit assembly
Gripper sequence close-up
Cup dispense mechanism
I redesigned an existing linkage-based dispense mechanism due to wear issues. The drive cylinder has a cam plate, each side of the mechanism has a cam follower driven by the cam plate. The vertical motion is converted into rotary motion by a cam/linkage combo.. cam "thumbs" guide spring-loaded followers mounted to each linkage bar.
Assembly
Base gripper sub-assembly, each hardened stainless steel base gripper has a miniature needle bearing.
Assembly
Base gripper finger being installed into base bar.
Assembly
Completed gripper cam sub-assembly
Dispense mechanism assembly drawing
Dispense mechanism gripper linkage detail
Example part drawing - Base Linkage