Advanced Press Tool Design-Control for Precision Sprocket Assembly 

Summary

Array Technologies is a company that works in the solar industry, producing everything involved with solar tracking from the motorized mounting frames, to the software that follows the sun. Within the design of the solar tracking system is a specially designed sprocket with a friction clutch that is made of powdered metal. Array mates these sprocket assemblies together using a manual press tool, but the problem is that the sprockets shatter under relatively low pressing force. Due to this flaw, it is easy to accidentally damage the sprocket during the pressing attempt. Array has tasked this team with modifying a hydraulic press with live monitoring features and safety features that will allow them to quickly and safely produce these sprocket assemblies with little manufacturing errors.