John W. Radtke
Advanced Mechatronic
Technology
Advanced MechatronicTechnology
Advanced MechatronicCustom machine for automated production of medical poly-tube assemblies
A machine designed and built to make medical tube assemblies automatically: a precise length of poly tubing coiled in a precise shape and held by a number of extruded poly clips, in several product configurations.
The operator places a quick-change tool into the machine (no tools required); the machine identifies the tool and configures itself for that assembly type. A servo unwind feed drives tubing through a rotary cutter into the tool, feeding a precise length before the cut.
The tool then rotates each clip slot beneath a bowl-feeder escapement, receives a clip, and compresses to snap it over the tubing. When all clips are placed, the tool opens and ejects the completed assembly. The operator only keeps clips in the bowl and tubing on the feeder.
| Product | Precise-length coiled poly tubing with poly clips |
|---|---|
| Tubing feed | Servo-driven unwind feed with precise length control |
| Cutting | Rotary cutter |
| Clip placement | Bowl feeder with escapement; tool rotates and compresses to snap clips |
| Ejection | Automatic tool open and assembly ejection |
| Tooling | Quick-change, no tools required; identified automatically by the machine |
|---|---|
| Configurations | Multiple assembly types via interchangeable tooling |
| Control platform | PC-based |
| Operator interface | Touchscreen with audio prompts (e.g. “Insert tool now”) |
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