Stations Sequences:

1. Distribution Station

The station begins in a neutral state with all actuators in their mid-positions.
A new workpiece is spawned on the slide and detected by a proximity sensor. Once detected:

• The piston extends to push the workpiece into a defined loading position.

• When the position is confirmed, the piston retracts.

• A vertical changer mechanism moves above the workpiece.

• The gripper activates to pick up the workpiece.

• The changer transfers the workpiece to the next station (Pick and Place).

• Once the transfer is complete, the system resets and waits for the next workpiece.

This cycle ensures consistent feeding and transfer of workpieces into the system.

2. Pick and Place Station

Once a workpiece arrives and is held in place by the stopper, a sensor confirms its position:

• The gripper lowers toward the lid slide to pick up a lid.

• After gripping the lid, it retracts and the horizontal slider moves it above the workpiece.

• The gripper lowers again to place the lid precisely onto the workpiece.

• The stopper then retracts to release the fully assembled unit toward the Sorting Station.

• The station resets for the next cycle.

The sequence ensures that only workpieces with proper alignment receive lids.

3. Sorting Station

A fully or partially assembled workpiece arrives and is stopped by an actuator:

• A sensor checks whether the workpiece includes a lid.

  • If no lid is present, the workpiece is routed to the Dismantling Station for recycling.

  • If a lid is present, a colour sensor checks the lid's colour.

    • The system compares the detected colour with the user-defined input (order).

    • If there's a match, a separator (1 or 2) diverts the unit to the appropriate slide.

    • If the order for that colour is already fulfilled, the workpiece is sent to the Dismantling Station.

This logic ensures optimal sorting based on real-time user inputs while avoiding overproduction.

4. Dismantling Station

The dismantling station receives workpieces that were either incomplete or in excess:

• The stopper holds the incoming unit until the station is free.

• When unoccupied, the stopper retracts and allows the unit to enter the disassembly position.

• A sensor checks if the workpiece includes a lid:

  • If the lid is absent, the base is pushed into the designated recycling bin.

  • If the lid is present, the lid is first separated and sent to one bin, followed by the base into a second bin.

• Once the sequence is completed, the station resets and prepares for the next cycle.